Unframed, oil painting, signed 1961. Incredible example of a listed, mid-century masters distinctive style. In its simplest context, just a woman sitting and thinking. Perhaps the weight of her worries requires a long and heavy arm to hold the pondering mind. Counter balancing the pensive woman are bright and vivid colors with thick determined strokes, portraying the vibrancy of the world she sits in. Michael Meyer Marmelstein was an American artist who lived from 1927 to 1977, primarily based in Greenwich Village, New York City. He was largely self-taught but also received some training at the Art Students League of New York, a notable institution for aspiring artists. Marmelstein is known for his contributions to the Ashcan School, a movement characterized by realistic depictions of everyday life in early 20th-century urban settings. Instead of focusing on the picturesque or idyllic, Ashcan artists sought to portray the gritty realities of urban life, capturing the raw, unpolished aspects of cities like New York. Marmelstein's work was diverse, spanning various mediums including oil painting, watercolors, and etchings. His art often captured scenes of urban life, and his style was influenced by the gritty realism typical of the Ashcan School. His works have been held in prestigious collections, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum, reflecting the lasting impact of his artistic contributions. Despite the quality of his work, Marmelstein remains relatively obscure compared to some of his contemporaries, and the public at large. Still his works are sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts. Unsigned paintings of his ask a minimum of $8,000.