Otto Kuhler 1894-1976 Kuhler was born in Germany into a family that was very successful in the iron and steel industry. This likely explains his affinity for industrial images, although he is best known for his images of steam locomotives. He emigrated to the United States in 1923 as the family business collapsed in the aftermath of World War I. Prior to coming to this country he worked as an engineer, designer, and magazine editor, the fusion of these diverse experiences contributing to his artistic vision. He was successful as an etcher initially in New York and then Pittsburgh where he created images of the steel industry. He also worked designing locomotives for Milwaukee Road, Lehigh, and other companies, including the famous Hiawatha, the fastest locomotive in the world in the 1930s. He also designed the famous finned observation car for the Milwaukee Road. He is an iconic artist working the in WPA realism style, although was not funded by the Works Progress Administration. His etchings capture the power, energy, and industry in the United States in the pre- and post-World War II era.
This image was printed in a private limited edition D. C. Elphinstone Company from Baltimore as a Christmas gift from Douglas Elphinstone to his patrons in 1933. The etching shows some toning, but has been archivally framed and matted.