“New York, Night” by Georgia O’Keeffe Captures the Heart of NYC
American painter, Georgia O’Keeffe, found inspiration in the city we call home. In the early 1920’s, O’Keefe embarked on a visual exploration of Manhattan, capturing the essence of city life and culture through approximately two dozen surviving works. One of her most celebrated pieces “New York Night” features the intricate façade of The Benjamin (formerly the Hotel Beverly) as it stands in the city skyline at night. We are proud to be showcased in this meaningful work of art that so delicately and beautifully encapsulates New York City.
Curious how this close up came to be? In 1925, O’Keeffe went house hunting in Manhattan and became enamored by her new view, 30 stories up. Her northern vantage point overlooking Lexington Avenue and featuring the Hotel Beverly, now The Benjamin, inspired her to paint “New York Night.” The painting features the hotel and the rosette at the top of the building is clearly recognizable. Finished in 1929, the piece’s nocturnal aspect is described best by O’Keeffe, “like a very tall thin bottle with colored things going up and down inside it.”
Serving as the focal point of the iconic piece, The Benjamin continues to grace the city skyline, offering a gorgeous architectural landmark and home-away-from-home for our guests. The next time you are in New York City, we invite you in to join us for a cocktail and to cheers to the building that O’Keeffe so perfectly painted.