I haven't posted in a little while as I've been busy with a variety of freelance assignments and, well, life - but I thought I would share a recent "reworking" of a portrait of Samuel 'Red' Levine.
I posted about Red Levine quite awhile ago and currently don't have much more to add as far biographical updates. However, for those who have followed this project with a keen eye may of noticed the artwork has gone through some changes over the course of time. Nothing too substantial or radical mind you, but the line work has become more delicate and the painting process coming forward more so than in the past. My original attempt at this kosher killer was done quite earlier on when I started this series, where line work was bolder and the watercolor almost as a secondary thought.
With the amount of portraits that have been accomplished since then, the self- critical side of me wanted to give Red another go. I was also fortunate to locate a reference photo which has not been circulated or appeared in any known publications to make this new interpretation all that fresher, plus he seems to have a grumpy disposition in this one that just adds to it all....
With the amount of portraits that have been accomplished since then, the self- critical side of me wanted to give Red another go. I was also fortunate to locate a reference photo which has not been circulated or appeared in any known publications to make this new interpretation all that fresher, plus he seems to have a grumpy disposition in this one that just adds to it all....
6 comments:
Dear Pat, I am a recent subscriber to your blog. I have enjoyed learning and reading the posts. I am originally from WIlliamsburg, Brooklyn. I look forward to being a subscriber. Thank you
Thanks for dropping by the blog Manny - I have been busy with outside projects but will get back to regular postings very soon...
Hi Pat. Just came across your blog and have subscribed. I am a Canadian living in the UK and I have read most of the Jewish gangster literature worth reading. Unfortunately, there is loads of reworked stuff which adds nothing to the reader's knowledge of a fascinating period of Jewish history. My own interest stems from stories my Grandfather told me growing up in Winnipeg. He was friends with the Bronfmans who were recruting men to drive their lorries full of booze to the border (only 60 miles away) during prohibition. They were in business with the Meyer Lansky and later Dave Berman. He declined the offer!! I loved Rich Cohen's book and most of my family have now read it. Two of the most interesting characters of this period are Allie Tannenbaum and Harry Strauss. Hard to get much info on Pittsburgh Phil though.
I look forward to future posts.
I am curious about Monk Eastman being included in among the Jewish gangsters. His real name was it not Delaney his parents being listed in NY Times as Mr and Mrs William Delaney? A great site and the paintings are awesome renditions. Look forward to coming back to this site. Thanks from Sean
Beaver Patrol - Thanks for the nice comment.
Monk Eastman's real name was Edward Osterman, not William Delaney. Delaney was the name he used to join the army in WWI in order to hide his nefarious past. It was also pretty common for some early Jewish Gangsters to adopt a variety of aliases, especially with Irish sounding names to assimilate into the underworld.
His identity was eventually revealed to the army and at first he was denied participating in the army's victory parade on Fifth Ave. But his army buddies praised his heroics on the battlefield and petitioned Governor Al Smith who finally re-instated his citizenship and allowed him to take part in the parade.
I understand from the Village Voice article that Red had relatives by the last name of Levine who worked as delivery truck drivers for the NY Post. Supposedly, he helped these people by the name of Levine. I had an uncle and cousin who drove these delivery trucks. I wonder how many people with the name of Levine drove these trucks.
I also note that a former Coney Island neighbor, who now works for the NY Post met Red Levine with a friend and the friend's father on W. 8th Street near the Cyclone ride. He said that if he worked for the NY Post at the time, he would have interviewed Red Levine. He did ask Red how he felt when he killed someone.
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