80 Years in Bloom: The Art of Harry Lane and the Enduring Charm of His 1945 Floral Prints
For collectors of mid-century American art, few names evoke such quiet elegance and technical mastery as Harry Lane (1891–1973). Born in New York City, Lane studied in both the United States and Europe, including Munich, Germany. His early career was rooted in New York, where he exhibited at renowned galleries such as Ferargil, Kleeman, and Kennedy Galleries (RoGallery).
In 1949, he settled in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, establishing a studio and becoming a central figure in the local arts scene. Lane directed the Berkshire Art Center in Canaan, NY, was a founding member and former director of the Berkshire Art Association, and served on the Lenox Library Art Committee.
A vivid pair of florals: Anemones and Pansies (medium), framed in brushed silver and set against a soft modern interior.
His wide-ranging work included landscapes, florals, portraits, and murals, and he earned consistent praise for his painterly, poetic style. He was listed in Who’s Who in American Art from 1947 onward and in the international Who’s Who in America (1972 edition). His works are part of the collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Worcester Museum, Berkshire Museum, and Museum of Fine Arts Springfield. He also completed murals for U.S. Post Offices in Port Washington, NY, and Oakdale, LA (Smithsonian American Art Museum).
In 1945, Catalda Fine Arts, Inc. of New York City published a series of offset lithographs based on Lane’s floral still lifes. These prints were produced by U.S.P. & L. Co. and featured a range of floral subjects including Anemones, Pansies, Primroses, Cyclamen, Roses, and Magnolias. Many included charming touches such as a cello-playing monkey or a painted wooden rooster, adding a distinctive character to otherwise classical still life compositions. Printed with rich color on heavy paper and marked with U.S. Print numbers and copyright notices, they exemplified the high-quality commercial art of their time and helped bring fine art into American homes during the postwar era.
From left to right: Magnolias with figurine (medium), Cyclamen with white horse figurine (medium), and Roses with cello-playing monkey (medium).
The floral lithographs available through Pink Flamingos were part of that 1945 production run. They carry original design elements that reflect the printmaking practices of the era: Harry Lane’s printed signature, Catalda Fine Arts copyright, U.S. Print numbers, and subtle details like visible plate notations and richly layered color. My parents acquired them directly from the Catalda Fine Arts Division of Etcetera Wall Decor, Inc. of New York City in December 1981, where they had remained in storage, uncirculated and unframed. Preserved flat for decades, these prints remain in beautiful condition with striking color and thick, high-quality paper.
To honor the 80th anniversary of their printing, we’re showcasing this floral series through styled mockups and detailed close-up images that highlight their distinctive visual elements — from figurines to signature marks — and the charm that continues to resonate with collectors today.
Cyclamen and Primroses (medium), styled in a modern cottage setting.
“Litho. in U.S.A. U.S.P. & L. Co.” — the original printer marking from 1945 on Magnolias, medium.
“Copyright 1945 – Catalda Fine Arts, Inc. N.Y.C.” - Magnolias, large.
One of the whimsical details in Lane’s arrangements - Roses, large.
U.S. Print No. 409 — part of the original 1945 series - Cyclamen, medium.
Detail from the medium-sized Primroses lithograph.
Catalda’s copyright and vivid color - Pansies, medium.
Printing mark from U.S.P. & L. Co. in the large Roses print.
Acquired from Catalda’s successor in 1981, these prints have been carefully stored ever since. Their rich color and crisp paper remain remarkably well preserved after nearly a century. One collector who recently discovered this series was already a Harry Lane fan, having found an original painting at a thrift store. In 2024, they purchased medium-format versions of Pansies and Anemones and shared this thoughtful review:
“Wow! I didn't know what to expect from a print nearly 100 years old — would the colors be dull? Would the paper be yellowed and fragile? To my surprise, the paper was very thick and sturdy and pristine. The colors of the print were very bold, and the image quality was great. I'm totally impressed with the quality and I'm thrilled to own this. I was lucky enough to find an original Harry Lane painting at a thrift shop and I wanted to expand my collection. This was pretty much the only place I found any prints, but I'm not at all disappointed with what I've found. Thank you!”
While these floral still lifes represent a focused moment in Lane’s broader career, their enduring appeal lies in the balance of composition, color, and form. For vintage art lovers and new collectors alike, they offer not only visual beauty but a tangible piece of postwar American art history — preserved and ready to be enjoyed for generations to come.
References
- RoGallery. “Harry Lane.” https://www.rogallery.com/artists/harry-lane/
- Smithsonian American Art Museum. “Harry Lane.” https://americanart.si.edu/artist/harry-lane-2787