Posted by In the dimming twilight of Monday night, June 17, 2013, the art world bid farewell to a luminary whose strokes of genius transcended time and adversity. Arthur S. Rothenberg, born in Brooklyn in 1918, departed this world at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of artistic prowess, wartime valor, and a profound impact on the realms of combat art and ceramic painting.
Rothenberg’s artistic journey unfolded against the backdrop of the 1930s, marked by his studies at the prestigious Art Institute and the avant-garde Bauhaus in Chicago. However, it was the crucible of World War II that would shape the trajectory of his artistic career and cement his name in the annals of history.
Stationed in England during the war, Rothenberg played a pivotal role in mapping the invasion of Normandy. His artistic eye and keen sense of detail caught the attention of General Curtis LeMay, who appointed him as a Combat Artist in the Eighth Air Force. Rothenberg’s wartime paintings, now enshrined in the archives of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., stand as poignant testimonies to the tumultuous era.
The canvas of war became his palette, and with each stroke, he documented the preparations for the invasion of Europe. His brush captured the solemnity of planes readying for bombing missions, the resilience of damaged aircraft returning, and the stark devastation left in the wake of destruction. Rothenberg’s paintings, immortalized in the Pentagon, serve as a visual chronicle of a chapter in history that shaped the course of nations.
Post-war, Rothenberg’s artistic journey continued in the bustling art scene of New York City, where he carved a niche as an art director. His creativity found expression in myriad forms, from commercial endeavors to his first one-man show in Manhattan in 1949. The breadth of his work was showcased at prestigious venues such as the Brooklyn Society of Artists, Brooklyn Museum, Hofstra University’s Long Island Artists Exhibition, and the Art Directors Club of New York.
One of the crowning moments of his career came in 1973 when his tile painting, “The Lobsterman,” earned the coveted ‘Best in Show’ accolade at the Guild Hall Artists Members Exhibition in East Hampton, NY. This triumph was a testament to Rothenberg’s ability to distill the essence of everyday life into luminous tile paintings that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
In 1974, he was honored with a one-man show at Guild Hall, a recognition of his profound impact on the art scene. Rothenberg’s artistic versatility was on full display in a retrospective exhibition at Bard College at Simon’s Rock in 2003. The showcase revealed the kaleidoscopic variety of his artistic production, ranging from oils depicting the mountains of Vermont to luminous tile paintings capturing the lives of working people worldwide. Even in the face of failing vision, he continued to produce vibrant and colorful watercolors, showcasing an unwavering commitment to his craft.
Beyond the canvas, Rothenberg’s love for the sea and sailing was palpable. An avid sailor for many years, he served as a charter member and Commodore of the Hempstead Bay Sailing Club, leaving an indelible mark on the maritime community. His founding role in the East Hampton Yacht Club further solidified his legacy as a man deeply connected to the sea.
In the tapestry of his life, Rothenberg was surrounded by the love of his family. His wife, Enid Weitz Rothenberg, shared in his artistic journey, providing steadfast support. Their children, Marna and Jerry Sag, Eric Rothenberg, and Dan Rothenberg, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, stand as a testament to a life richly lived and a family deeply rooted in the arts.
As we bid adieu to Arthur Rothenberg, we reflect not only on the brilliance of his art but also on the resilience of the human spirit in times of war and peace. His paintings, be they capturing the intensity of conflict or the luminosity of everyday life, remain as beacons of inspiration for future generations of artists and admirers. In the hallowed halls of the Pentagon and the galleries that showcase his works, the legacy of Arthur Rothenberg endures—a legacy of artistic mastery, valor, and a profound connection to the essence of the human experience.