Original Mid-Century Whimsical Christmas New York City Character Watercolors - Framed Pair

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A one-of-a-kind pair of original mid-century watercolor paintings by artist Frieda Meyer. Beautifully captured in a whimsical hobo-clown and street-busker … Read more A one-of-a-kind pair of original mid-century watercolor paintings by artist Frieda Meyer. Beautifully captured in a whimsical hobo-clown and street-busker aesthetic reminiscent of Emmett Kelly and Joseph Clayton Clarke ("Kyd"), this set offers a charming, highly personal window into the late 1960s and 1970s New York City musical lounge scene. This ready-to-hang pair serves as fantastic NYC entertainment ephemera and makes a stellar festive addition to a mid-century gallery wall, retro bar area, or music studio collection.

This pair captures a unique cross-section of post-WWII American musical culture and vibrant New York City nightlife. During the mid-century home organ boom, electronic instruments by brands like Hammond and Wurlitzer skyrocketed in popularity, sparking a wave of neighborhood commercial music schools like the one run by local organist Ron MacDowell. Simultaneously, live music anchored the iconic 1960s and '70s NYC lounge scene. Versatile organists were highly sought-after fixtures at neighborhood supper clubs and cocktail bars like Marie's Rendezvous, providing the soundtrack for night owls and lively community holiday sing-alongs.

The 1966 Painting: Features a charming street organ-grinder carrying a hand-cranked music box against a vibrant, solid yellow background. The character sports a classic red clown nose, a thick brown beard, a vivid blue bow tie, a tattered purple coat, and patch-laden green trousers. An integrated wooden post and sign reading "MacDowell's Organ School &..." humorously ties the old-school character to his music teaching
business. Signed in pencil "Frieda Meyer '66".

The 1970 Painting: Features a sophisticated dandy-style figure with a tall top hat and monocle rendered on clean white paper. Standing in a confident pose, the character wears a frayed dark overcoat, a mismatched plaid waistcoat with a tiny heart detail, a white-gloved hand holding a smoking cigarette, and oversized work shoes. An integrated event placard reads "1970 Christmas Party at Marie's Rendezvous featuring Ron MacDowell at the Organ." Signed in red paint "Frieda". See less