This spring the Metropolitan Opera unveiled the latest addition to their remarkable portrait collection on view at the Opera House at Lincoln Center: Ben’s stunning portrait of Lawrence Tibbett in the premiere of Peter Ibbetson in 1930. The drawing, autographed by the famed tenor, was seen last summer here at the studio as part of the Eleanor Landis Smahl collection. The Met also borrowed Ben’s drawing of Lucrezia Bori also from the Peter Ibbetson premiere (and also autographed in approval by the singer). The Met has recently asked to extend the loan for the Bori portrait through the beginning of their new season.
Works were seen at a number of galleries, museums, and auction houses this summer, but this fall, the best place to see Solowey artwork is The Studio, where the Main Studio will have a new installation of Solowey paintings. There are two breathtaking large still lifes, Last Summer’s Bouquet, a colorful take on faded flowers in one of Ben’s hand carved frames; and Afterbloom, an autumnal tour de force.
There is a wonderful Self Portrait from 1925, probably painted immediately after Ben returned from his six month European sojourn. This painting speaks volumes of what he had seen, experienced, and where he was heading.
In keeping with the season, there are several Fall landscapes from Bucks County and other locales. an intimate 16 x 20 oil, simply titled Fall Landscape, shows a pastoral scene from 1935, the fall before the Solowey bought the farm in Bucks County.
Frank Capra, Rodgers and Hart and Noel Coward will also be in attendance in this installation.
