Who painted Manhattan Excavation?

Manhattan Excavation was painted by Muirhead Bone in 1924.

Where can I see Manhattan Excavation?

Manhattan Excavation is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of Manhattan Excavation?

Museum-quality prints of Manhattan Excavation are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Manhattan Excavation

Muirhead Bone , 1924

Manhattan Excavation is a print by Muirhead Bone. It dates from 1924 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1940.836
Credit line: Bequest of James Parmelee

About this work

Overview

Manhattan Excavation is a print created by Scottish artist Muirhead Bone around 1924, depicting a chaotic urban construction scene in New York City.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures the intensity of early 20th-century industrial expansion through a massive excavation site in Manhattan, contrasted with surrounding buildings and diminutive human figures, highlighting the transformative power of urban development.

Technique & Style

Bone employed sharp, crisscrossing strokes to convey the turmoil of the site, characteristic of his detailed and heavily worked etching style, emphasizing texture and activity.

History & Provenance

As a leading figure in the Etching Revival, Bone's urban landscapes, including this piece, gained prominence. The Cleveland Museum of Art holds this work within its collection.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Muirhead Bone

Sir Muirhead Bone (23 March 1876 – 21 October 1953) was a Scottish etcher and watercolourist who became known for his depiction of industrial and architectural subjects and his work as a war artist in both the First and Second World Wars.