The Oakland Museum, Oakland, California (and elsewhere), "A Time and Place: from the Ries Collection of California Paintings," December 1, 1990-March 3, 1991.

James and Linda Ries; William A. Karges Fine Art, Los Angeles, California; Private collection, Studio City, California; John Moran Auctioneers, Monrovia, California, June 19, 2007, lot 80; Private collection, Los Angeles, California, acquired from the above.

Emil Jean Kosa Jr. (American/French, 1903-1968) Los Angeles City Hall and Times Building from Bunker Hill, circa 1931 Watercolor and pencil on paper 15-1/8 x 22-1/4 inches (38.4 x 56.5 cm) (sheet) Signed and inscribed on the reverse: "Illustration" EJKosa PROVENANCE: James and Linda Ries; William A. Karges Fine Art, Los Angeles, California; Private collection, Studio City, California; John Moran Auctioneers, Monrovia, California, June 19, 2007, lot 80; Private collection, Studio City, California, acquired from the above. EXHIBITED: The Oakland Museum, Oakland, California (and elsewhere), "A Time and Place: from the Ries Collection of California Paintings," December 1, 1990-March 3, 1991. Emil Kosa Jr., a master watercolorist and acclaimed special effects artist, skillfully captured the evolving urban landscape of Los Angeles in the 1930s. Born in Paris in 1903, Kosa moved to the United States as a child, later studying at prestigious institutions such as the Prague Academy, California Art Institute, and l'École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. After returning to Los Angeles in 1928, he became a pivotal figure in the burgeoning "California Style" of regional watercolor painting, while also embarking on a remarkable 35-year career in special effects for Twentieth Century Fox. In 1964, Kosa received an Academy Award for his work on Cleopatra and famously designed the studio's iconic 20th Century Fox logo. However, throughout his life, watercolor painting remained his true passion, and his artistic contributions to the depiction of California landscapes helped define the region's visual culture. In the exquisite Los Angeles City Hall and Times Building from Bunker Hill, Kosa invites the viewer to explore a city in transformation. The focal points of the composition—the towering Los Angeles City Hall and the historic Los Angeles Times Building—dominate the skyline, representing the ambition and growth of the metropolis during the 1930s. City Hall, completed in 1928 and designed in the Art Deco style, was the tallest building in the city at the time, symbolizing the city's political and economic ascent. Its ziggurat-style peak rises majestically, its geometric forms and classical touches evoking the optimism of an era in which Los Angeles was rapidly becoming a major urban center. The Los Angeles Times Building, also an architectural landmark, reinforces this notion of progress, reflecting the media power that helped shape the city's narrative as it grew into a hub of culture and industry. Together, these buildings form a dramatic contrast against the more humble, residential homes nestled in the foreground. Kosa masterfully bridges the old and the new, juxtaposing the natural contours of the hillside with the rectilinear forms of the city's modern architecture. Kosa's watercolor technique is evident in the soft washes and vivid detailing that bring this urban landscape to life. The artist's use of texture and light imbues the scene with a sense of movement and vitality. The muted earth tones of the hillside, combined with the bright white of the iconic buildings, create a balanced yet dynamic composition that reflects the changing face of Los Angeles. The loose brushstrokes that form the foliage and rolling terrain contrast beautifully with the sharp, angular lines of the city's architecture, reflecting Kosa's technical brilliance and his understanding of the interplay between natural and built environments. Throughout his career, Kosa was deeply embedded in both the artistic and entertainment communities of Southern California. He was an influential teacher in the Laguna Beach art community, contributing to the regional watercolor movement that became known as the "California Style." This painting, like much of Kosa's work, exemplifies the focus on Regionalism that characterized this movement, with its emphasis on local subjects and a connection to the land. At the same time, Kosa's experience as a special effects artist for film is evident in his ability to convey drama and atmosphere, skills that undoubtedly contributed to his success in both worlds. The 1930s were a time of rapid expansion and ambition for Los Angeles, and Kosa captures this moment with sensitivity and precision. His portrayal of City Hall and the surrounding buildings not only reflects the architectural beauty of the period but also speaks to the larger narrative of the city's transformation from a regional hub into a thriving metropolis. These buildings were symbols of power and progress and an ideal backdrop for the city's expanding influence in both the political and media landscapes. Emil Kosa Jr.'s artistic legacy bridges the world of fine art and Hollywood, merging his talents as a painter with his groundbreaking work in visual effects. His ability to translate the spirit of a place onto paper is evident in Los Angeles City Hall and Times Building from Bunker Hill, where the energy, ambition, and character of the city are brought to life with meticulous care. This work stands as a testament to both Kosa's skill and the pivotal role that Los Angeles played in shaping the cultural and artistic landscape of the 20th century. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Framed under glass. Hinged along the top edge verso. Buckling throughout the sheet. Tape lines the extreme edges of the sheet, not visible in current matting. Faint odor affecting the sheet. Framed Dimensions 24 X 30.5 Inches