Charles Turzak, Lincoln In New Salem, Woodcut Signed

Description

Charles Turzak, a master of the woodcut, brings us a four views of Lincoln during the very formative six years Lincoln lived in New Salem.

A young Lincoln leans against a barrel as he is deep into reading a book (reminiscent of the Falter image on our home page), his face being the best renderings we’ve seen by Turzak.  Surrounding him are scenes from his early manhood:  as Postmaster at the Lincoln/Berry dry goods store; as Captain in the Black Hawk War; as a surveyor. 

Though he is particularly known for his  Abraham Lincoln Biography in Woodcuts (Chicago, 1933), this New Salem woodcut was not included.  Turzak is known for his modernist woodblock prints depicting American historical subjects, many of which appeared as calendar art around the country.

V.g.++; clear and bright; lt. toning only; mounting stains only along the edges and under the matting. Not examined outside of the mat.

Turzak, Charles (1899-1986; American Artist)  “LINCOLN IN NEW SALEM,” signed in the image.  Woodcut on paper, matted t1-1/2” x 9” (sight), overall size 17″ x 14″.  Probably a proof on light vellum paper:  As it comes directly out of the Turzak estate; is hence unsigned, though hand titled in pencil; and no other copy has been found.  PROBABLY A UNIQUE PROOF!

About Charles Turzak

Charles Turzak (Am. 1899 – 1986) was an American painter, printmaker and teacher born in Streator, Illinois.

His immigrant parents hoped he would fall into a professional career, but Turzak had discovered a love for the arts. He was known for make animal carvings out of peach seeds and drawing cartoons to sell. After winning a cartoon contest, sponsored by The Purina Company, Turzak enrolled at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Having been an apprentice to a violin maker as a boy, he was drawn to the art of woodblock printmaking, which proved to be his favored medium.

After traveling through Europe in 1929, Turzak returned to a country grappling with The Great Depression. He made ends meet with a mixture of fine art and commercial work. One of the books he illustrated was John and Ruth Ashenhurst’s All About Chicago (1933). It was also during this time he started working on his own book, Abraham Lincoln: A Biography in Woodcuts (1933). Turzak carved many of the blocks and printed and produced the book at the 1933 Century of Progress Exhibition. The book’s success paved the way for the production of a similar publication, including The Life of Benjamin Franklin (1935). Other examples of Turzak’s works in the Chicago area include several murals produced as part of WPA programs. Most have been lost, however his mural Canal Boats has recently been restored. It is on display at the Lemont, IL post office. 

Turzak’s work made a dramatic shift from modernism to abstraction in the 1950s. He continued to make woodcuts until the late 1970s, when age became a restriction, but did not inhibit his ability to create. He continued to produce paintings up until his death in January on 1986, and had his last one-man show just eight months prior.

Turzak was a man who fully embraced modernism, even in his choice of abode. He commissioned Bruce Goff to create a home and studio on the far north side of Chicago. The home still stands today.