Showman with a Paintbrush: The Life and Art of Arthur V. Diehl
May 16 - July 23, 2024
Eugenia Diehl Pell, Curator
Watch a VIDEO of the May 16 Gallery Talk / Reception
• Read a review of the exhibition in The Provincetown Independent
• Download a program of artworks included in the exhibition (below).
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 features 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 includes 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 coincides with the release of Diehl’s definitive biography, Arthur V. Diehl.
