The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Acquires a Painting of Renowned Local Artist and Former Faculty Member Henry Koerner

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh purchased an original Henry Koerner cityscape of Pittsburgh from James Frederick of James Gallery. The college has installed the painting in its street level public gallery in recognition of Koerner's significant impact on The Art Institute's history.

"Koerner was definitely an artist who evoked thought as an allegorical artist and is well respected among the art community worldwide," Frederick said. "We're sad to see the piece go, but we know it is in its rightful home."

Frederick acquired the cityscape piece of Pittsburgh during an effort to sell the Arthur Anderson collection at the PPG Building, shortly after the company's closure. George Pry, president of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh jumped at the chance to bring in the painting.

"We are not in the business of acquiring fine art on a large scale, but this piece became available and it was a natural decision to buy it, as a representation of Henry Koerner's legacy at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh," Pry said. "It is also part of a larger mission to create a permanent collection of faculty and alumni artwork to provide inspiration to students and establish a visual history." Koerner taught at The Art Institute from 1971 until 1986.

Mary Jean Stabile, graphic design faculty member at The Art Institute, feels honored having known Koerner not only as a coworker but also as a friend. He painted a portrait of Stabile for a mere $50 in 1980, an experience she says she will never forget. She values it so much that she insured it for $5,000 - one hundred times the amount she paid for it.

"Watercolor is a difficult medium to use. But Koerner was a master." Stabile said. "With over 50 Time magazine covers under his belt, including portraits of Barbra Streisand, Senator John Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, the value of his artwork is likely to increase a great deal."

Angelo Ciotti, former faculty member, knew the artist personally and knows Koerner would be happy to see his painting at The Art Institute.

"Henry Koerner was a phenomenal artist who always expressed his thoughts," Ciotti said. "He gave an extremely alternative perspective to The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and others worldwide who have been fortunate enough to see his work."

Koerner was born in 1915 in Vienna, Austria, where he trained as a graphic designer. In 1939, he immigrated to the United States where he designed book jackets at Maxwell Bauer Studios in New York. The Army drafted him in 1943, and when the war ended in 1945, Koerner was put to work in Berlin as the court artist for the Nuremberg trials. After being discharged from the Army in 1946, he returned to Austria to learn that his parents and brother perished in the Holocaust.

Left with the guilt of being his family's only survivor, Koerner used personal symbolism throughout many pieces in an effort to capture the heart-wrenching events of his life. He used Magic Realism, an art form that captures everyday reality with hints of fantasy or wonder.

In 1947, Koerner held his first solo exhibit in Berlin, which became an instant success. After returning to New York, he held his first American exhibit and was added soon after to the Whitney Museum of American Art's 1949 annual exhibit, where he was hailed by Time as "one of the country's most prominent young painters."

Koerner moved to Pittsburgh in 1952 and divided his time between his new home and Vienna. While visiting Vienna on June 12, 1991, Koerner was hit during a bicycle ride and died 22 days later on July 4.

The Art Institute is proud to display the painting in commemoration of Henry Koerner's legacy.