John Marin 1870-1953

One of the foremost figures in early 20th century American art, John Marin was enormously successful within his own lifetime. Although he did not truly begin his career as a professional artist until 1905 at the age of thirty-four, he had his first one-man exhibition in 1910, and from then on he continued to exhibit almost annually until his death in 1953. His substantial critical as well as financial success was due primarily to his lasting friendship with Alfred Stieglitz, whose influential position within the New York art scene was unparalleled at the time. It was Stieglitz who gave Marin his first solo show at 291, and after that gallery closed in 1917, Stieglitz continued to show his work first at the Intimate Gallery and finally at An American Place. Stieglitz handled all of Marin’s professional affairs and provided him with a level of financial security that enabled the promising artist to focus exclusively on the development of his work. This close and mutually beneficial friendship lasted until Stieglitz’ death in 1946.

During the very beginning of his artistic career, from 1905 to 1910, Marin lived and worked in Europe, developing his interest in the key subjects that would occupy him for the rest of his life: the landscape, the cityscape, and the sea. After returning home to the States, Marin established a regular working pattern, which he continued to follow for the rest of his career. He would spend winters in New York City, painting and drawing scenes of the city and preparing for his nearly annual exhibitions. In the spring and fall, Marin focused his attention on the surrounding area of New York State and New Jersey, and in the summer, he would travel throughout various regions of the countryside, especially along the coast of Maine.