Two Drawings by Artist Leon Kroll will be auctioned at The House of the Seven Gables

This just in from The House of the Seven Gables:

The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association announced Monday the exciting addition of two drawings by internationally renowned artist Leon Kroll (1884-1974) to the annual Lobsterfest Fundraiser Auction, to be held September 12, 2009.

Featured recently in the critically acclaimed Peabody Essex Museum exhibition Painting Summer in New England, in 2006, and the focus of a solo exhibition, A Singular Vision, at the Cape Ann Museum in 2004, Leon Kroll is nationally known for his depiction of the female nude form using realist methods. Born in New York City, Kroll was also known for spending his summers on Cape Ann, inspired by the shore line of Folly Cove in Gloucester.

Leon Kroll, known for his camaraderie with artists such as George Bellows, Robert Henri, and Edward Hopper, was featured in the now infamous Armory Show, held in New York in 1913. Emphasizing the zeitgeist, the Armory Show introduced ‘Modern Art’ to the nation, opening a door to the discourse of creation that was erupting in Europe. Kroll also lectured and taught courses throughout the country, including at the Art Students League of New York, the Pennsylvania Academy, and the Chicago Institute of Art.

Two drawings by Kroll were donated by the Rose family, descendants of the artist, to support the education programs at The House of the Seven Gables’ Settlement House as well as ongoing historic preservation efforts.

Kroll’s work is featured in numerous public sites throughout the United States. In Massachusetts, one can visit his work at the Worcester Auditorium, created from 1938-1942. Additional public works include Shriver Hall at John Hopkins University, 1953, the Department of Justice Building, 1935, and the Indiana Statehouse, 1952.

A preview of the Kroll drawings will be held at The House of the Seven Gables on Thursday, September 3, 2009, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Marie Kroll Rose, daughter of Leon Kroll, and Salem historian Jim McAllister will present the two works, discuss Kroll’s career, and be available for questions. Bidders unable to attend Lobsterfest will be able to submit sealed bids for these two works until September 9^th. Bids will be accepted during the preview or by calling The Gables Development Office.

Tickets to The Gables’ Lobsterfest are now on sale, and can be purchased for $125.00 each by contacting Romy Gardner, Director of Development, at 978-744-0991 ext. 103.

Photo credit: Close-up of one of the original Leon Kroll drawings to be auctioned off the night of September 12, 2009