Maiden Lane, New York in 1800

At the turn of the last century, the river end of Maiden Lane was a choice wharfage area because of its proximity to the various trading markets. As the port of New York developed, such streets as Maiden Lane leading down to South Street were filled with various businesses that served the shipping industry. Hundreds of coopers, sailmakers, ironmongers, and paint sellers roamed up and down along the wharves, trying to take their share of the chandlery business.

In later years, as the sailing vessels disappeared, Maiden Lane became the center of New York's wholesale jewelry industry and then the street was finally absorbed into the financial district as the jewelers moved uptown.

Some of my paintings have stories behind them, interesting asides, perhaps. The Maiden Lane painting is an example of how an artist's economics can twist fate in unexpected directions. I entered into discussions with a prominent bank in New York City whose first office had been located on Maiden Lane in the building marked in the painting with the Hardware sign. The painting, I gathered, was to be used in the bank's executive offices as well as on their calendars. I produced the work on speculation, certain that the bank would buy the painting.

After seeing old architectural drawings of their buildings, I became enthusiastic over the idea of doing a moonlit street scene, and proposed a fee of ten thousand dollars. They were somewhat doubtful, however, about a night scene. Returning to England, I completed the painting, but once back in the States I found that the bank's interest had evaporated. Whether the reason was the price or the moonlight, or a combination of both, I could not tell.

There were no hard feelings; after all, I had produced the work without any assurances that the bank would purchase the canvas. Even though no obligation existed, however, I was quite disappointed as any artist would be. I decided to remove the name of the bank with a razor blade – a method that would ensure against its ever showing through – and to paint in the logo of the hardware store. Shortly afterward, I sold this painting for twenty thousand dollars, and the subject became a popular limited-edition print. Today that painting would be worth much more than I sold it for.

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