Explore Albert Bela Bauer's impact as an Architect and discover his talent for painting.
Capsule is excited to jump into fall with LX: Fashion, Art, and Estates, an eclectic sale of fashion, and estate finds including paintings, a collection of bohemian glass, carpets from the estate of Mason Adams, as well as books, furniture, and more. Among the exciting offerings are fresh to the market paintings by the renowned architect Albert Bela Bauer.
Lot 4 | Albert Bela Bauer, Sunflowers
Bauer is best known for his work in architecture and contributions to public buildings in New York City. Born in 1899 in Hungary, Bauer came to the United States at the age of 35 with a degree in architecture and engineering from the German Technological Institute, School of Civil Engineering and Architecture in Austria. He began his professional practice in Florida, but soon moved to New York, starting to work in Albany before coming to New York City. From 1936 to 1969 he worked as the Director of Architecture in the Department of Public Works, designing and participating in the construction of hospitals, libraries, fire and police stations, and more.
Lot 18 | Albert Bela Bauer, Untitled (Pink House)
Throughout Bauer's professional career he devoted his spare time to painting. As an advocate for the arts he became a prominent figure in the campaign that led to Mayor Robert F. Wagner's 1965 executive order to include artwork in municipal buildings. Bauer was also honored as an outstanding civil servant by Mayor John V. Lindsay and made a fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
Presentation of New York City Public Service Award for Professional Achievement. Left to right: Mayor John V. Lindsay and Albert B. Bauer.
After briefly serving in the US Navy, Bauer studied at The New School with O. Louis Guglielmi, Gregorio Prestopino, and Camilo Egas. He also spent six years studying with Robert Philipp at The National Academy. It's no wonder Bauer sought to add art to architectural projects and municipal buildings as his paintings are alive with color. It's clear he understood the value of art and its ability to bring a space to life.
Lot 1 | Albert Bela Bauer, Still Life with Delphinium and Yellow Foxtail
Lot 7 | Albert Bela Bauer, Untitled (Hillside Town)
LX: Fashion, Art, and Estates offers a beautiful collection of still lifes featuring a wide array of flowers bursting from vases like this one with Delphinium and Yellow Foxtail. While other works like this elegant Hillside town bring his love of architecture into his passion for painting.
