(New York 1871–1956)
Steam train with spectators, 1909, dated Mon Aug 2 09, ink, coloured pencil, graphite on thin writing paper, 14 x 21.8 cm, framed

Provenance:
Liuba and Ernesto (1918-2003) Wolf, Paris
Grisebach, Berlin – Sale 27.11.2015, Lot 564 – acquired there by the present owner
Private Collection, Germany

Already as a young boy, Feininger was fascinated by the railway: at a young age he drew the American locomotives and later built a wooden railway for his own children. The “Steam train with Spectators” reflects this fascination of Feininger’s, which he shares with the people caricatured in the foreground. In a great variety of poses, the people observe the journey of the steam engine which travels to the left, while the wind which comes from that direction not only blows the steam of the engine, but also the hats and clothing of the spectators, in the other direction.

Provenance:
Liuba and Ernesto (1918-2003) Wolf, Paris
Private Collection, Germany

Already as a young boy, Feininger was fascinated by the railway: at a young age he drew the American locomotives and later built a wooden railway for his own children. The “Steam train with Spectators” reflects this fascination of Feininger’s, which he shares with the people caricatured in the foreground. In a great variety of poses, the people observe the journey of the steam engine which travels to the left, while the wind which comes from that direction not only blows the steam of the engine, but also the hats and clothing of the spectators, in the other direction.