University of California Berkeley Historic Oil Painting

Description: If you or someone that you know has a strong association with the University of California at Berkeley, this vintage oil painting might be a must for the collection. The painting depicts Memorial Stadium on “Charter Day”, March 23, 1962. Charter Day is the actual birthday of the university and it was founded that day in 1868. On March 23, 1962, President John F. Kennedy gave the speech at UC Berkeley that was highlighted by his acceptance of an honorary degree. The scene was Memorial Stadium, packed at some 88,000 spectators. It was the 94th Charter Day event and the president spoke about the current state of the United States and world affairs. Sadly, just six months later, he was assassinated and the country mourned his loss and slowly moved on. This painting was painted by California artist Alice B.Steinhaus, a resident of the nearby hills in El Cerrito. It appears to date to the 1960’s, not long after the event. Perhaps she attended it and wanted to paint it soon thereafter. Alice Blanche Rhinehart was born in the Dakota Territory in 1889. There she met Arthur Steinhaus, married and settled in the village of Max. Sometime the Steinhaus family moved to California. The original label on the back of the painting indicates that she lived at 7907 Terrace Drive in El Cerrito, just north of the University. Likely this was the 1960’s and the time of the painting. Mrs. Steinhaus died in 1975. The painting is oil on board and measures 15” x 30”. It is painted with much detail - President Kennedy at the podium in the center and flanks of colorful onlookers filling the stadium. Most notably are two groups of American flags fluttering to the left and right of the president and additional ones flying at the top edges. It was clearly an important and proud event for the university. The green hills beyond the stadium add further depth and distance. The painting is in very good condition with no obvious signs of damage or repair. The colors are bright. It is framed with a simple wood frame of the period that adds an extra inch to each direction. One might consider reframing it with a liner and wider frame to add presence and importance to this work. Although the painting is not signed, there may be a monogram of sorts in the very right lower corner. On the back there is an original label that states the title as “Charter Day” and the artist’s name. This is a one-of-a-kind work of art that could possibly be museum worthy as it tells the story of that specific day, March 23, 1962. Just six months later America and the world would be knocked upside down with President Kennedy’s assassination and mourn the tragedy. This painting clearly depicts the hope and pride that America had before that tragic event.

Price: 595 USD

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

End Time: 2024-08-24T22:21:40.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD