After almost a century in a single private collection, Ernest Lawson's "Central Park" has re-emerged.  The painting, executed circa 1910, went from Lawson by way of Mac Beth Galleries directly to a private collection in the midwest.

Representing the artist's best signature work, "Central Park" has not been exhibited or widely known until now, four generations later.

A member of the often gritty Ashcan School, Lawson visited urban subjects, but through his own lens of Impressionism. "Central Park" is a winter scene inside the Park looking east toward Fifth Avenue at 75th Street.  The northern end of the aquamarine boat pond is pictured at right.  The main structure and rhythm of the scene is set by the paths of the park, which wind gracefully from the low foreground to the high horizon line.  Encircled by dynamically painted, rosy, glowing, foliage, the paths are set off in myriad shades of white.  Along the path, 2 figures, a lady and a child, are depicted making their way through the brilliant wonderland.  

Several Fifth Avenue buildings define the horizon line, most notably the once magnificent Temple Beth El.  Built in 1891, the grand Romanesque edifice was destroyed in the mid-20th century as a result of economic forces and the merger of its congregation with Temple Emanuel (just a few blocks north.)  The Temple Beth El, alongside Tamany Hall, the original Madison Square Garden, the original Penn Station and the World Trade Towers, are recalled and listed as greatest New York architecture that is "Gone But Not Forgotten."  It's dramatic dome, flanked by two towers are clearly articulated by Lawson, crowning the image.

"Central Park"  is on view this week at Catherine Dail Fine Art's exhibition of Important American Paintings.  Also shown are museum quality works by Bricher, Casilear, Frieseke, Hale, Hartley, Heade, Johnson, Moran, Potthast, Sargent and others.  Contact Catherine Dail Fine Art at (212) 595-3550.