Gowanus Lounge: Serving Brooklyn

Wanted This Gowanus Watercolor? You May Have Blown It

February 16th, 2009 · 3 Comments

This is a watercolor of the Gowanus painted in 1938. It was up for sale on eBay until last night for the sum of $449.99, which was chopped from $499. (This is the seller, he may still have it if you need this in your living room.) Here’s the description: “For sale here is an original watercolor painting from 1938 of the Gowanus Canal East in Brooklyn, New York, and signed by the artist Theo L. Soontup. Masterfully done, this painting is a bit of history as this part of Brooklyn has had many ups and downs over the years. Google the Gowanus canal to read some of the interesting tidbits. This painting measures 16.5″ by 22.5″ inside the matting, glass, and frame. In excellent condition overall, though the matting could use a clean or to be replaced, as is usual with older painting.” We’re not sure which of the poisonous Manufactured Gas Plants in the neighborhood (the big tank) is pictured. It does have a certain charm to it.

Tags: Gowanus · Gowanus Canal

3 responses so far ↓

  • 1 anonymous // Feb 16, 2009 at 10:46 pm

    The buyer who paid $350 for it got a great deal.
    I’m certain an appraisal from an expert would value this at $1000-1500.

  • 2 anonymous // Feb 16, 2009 at 10:51 pm

    Looks like Theo Soontup was an amateur painter whose day job was architecture:

    http://digitalmetro.cdmhost.com/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/lc&CISOPTR=262&CISOBOX=1&REC=13

    may have also been a family member of a medical technology inventor based in NYC

  • 3 Robert // Feb 18, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    I got the painting. It’s new home is Brooklyn Heights amongst my (very mini) collection of paintings and drawings of industrial landscapes.