Will Barnet

WILL BARNET: America's Daumier

by Richard E. Schiff

Will Barnet used to tell us students that Daumier had been one of his early influences, among others, of course. And though he has clearly distinguished himself among contemporary American painters, Will Barnet is far better known for the hard edge abstract work he began in the early '50's. In an age where drawing seems to have lost its importance, it is very much what is clearly missing from the art of today. people are no longer learning art in places like the Art Students League of New York only, but since the mid-sixties, in University classrooms, where a major in art is spread out among required liberal arts courses. The work of Will Barnet belongs to the great history of draftsmanship that represents the bulk of the history of art, even from days in the caves.

"Central Park Siesta" lithograph 10 3/8" x 11 1/2" 1932

Will Barnet was born to Sarah and Noah Barnet in Beverly Massachusetts in May 1911. He first came to New York to study in 1930 after a few years study at the School of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. At the League he studied under Charles Locke, a master lithographer and print maker. Locke introduced the young Barnet to Nicholas Poussin and Honore Daumier. Like the great Daumier, Barnet drew on the simple life around him for subjects. His output in the 1930's was remarkable.

Barnet also studied with and printed for Jose Orozco. In Orozco's work he encountered the human figure more profoundly than before. Barnet had no love for the landscape, seeing it so fouled by man, but always relates to the human figure as the central issue of human experience.

"Bowling Alley Scene"
lithograph 10 1/4" x 8 3/4" 1934

Barnet captured the American scene of the 1930's depression. He is the recorder of the character of the average New Yorker, in general the urbanite of the 1930's. He shows us the texture of that time, colorless, but rich in velvety black and white. Deep chiarascuro with highlighted people. Light and form are revered. His drawing sublime.

"Cafeteria Scene" lithograph 15" x 10 1/4" 1934

It's a shame that the idea of drawing is all but lost in this crazy age of techno thinking. There could be no better place for this kind of art than on the web. Looks good, doesn't it? because real drawing will always look good. It doesn't take an art expert to tell you these are moving, artistic experiences.

Will Barnet is 86 years of age and still resides in Manhattan. He once said to me, on an autumn evening , as we strolled the South Street Seaport together, "These country people think they live longer, but I 'll tell you Dick, city people are healthier. You know why? Steam heat! It's better for you." That's a New Yorker for you. And Will Barnet is The New Yorker for the world!

Back