Gallery Talk and Opening Reception for Showman with a Paintbrush: The Life and Art of Arthur V. Diehl

Gallery Talk and Opening Reception

Showman with a Paintbrush: The Life and Art of Arthur V. Diehl

Thursday, May 16 - 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Gallery Talk: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Opening Reception: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Free and open to the public. RSVPs appreciated!

Exhibition Dates: April 16 - July 23, 2024

Arthur V. Diehl (1870-1939) was a historically significant figure in the Provincetown art scene in the 1920s, painting and selling historically accurate depictions of the fishing industry, boats at sea, and wharfs. Natives and tourists alike loved him and his work which they could witness in progress beginning in the summer of 1919 at “The Studio”, his business at 362 Commercial Street. He was called “amazing and rather magnificent” by fellow artist Ross Moffett in his book, Art in Narrow Streets, 1964. Diehl’s ability to capture light, shadow, and atmosphere in his subjects is unmatched. He is considered a master of his time.

Diehl was also known as a “speed painter extraordinaire.” Working quickly, he would give public demonstrations of his ability to paint finished landscapes in 15 minutes while entertaining the onlookers with his cheerful conversation and humor. Tourists loved to watch him paint and they loved to buy artwork from him to take home as a souvenir. Painting was his livelihood as well as his passion.

It has been nearly one hundred years since he painted on Cape Cod. The exhibition Showman with a Paintbrush: The Life and Art of Arthur V. Diehl will feature his masterful, atmospheric and historically accurate paintings that capture the importance of Provincetown as a major fishing port and art colony during Diehl’s lifetime. It will include paintings from Provincetown, Chatham, New York City, Boston and locations in Europe. Some paintings, including the one that was left on the easel of  “The Studio” have not been seen since 1929. Curated by Diehl’s granddaughter, Eugenia Diehl Pell, this exhibition will coincide with the release of Diehl’s definitive biography, Arthur V. Diehl.

Image: Working on the Wharf, Arthur V. Diehl