Irving Amen Obituary

1918 - 2011
Irving Amen 1918-2011- Artist
Studied at the Art Students League and Academy Grande Chaumiere in Paris. His first exhibition was at the New School for Social Research and in 1949 the Smithsonian Institution launched a one man exhibition of his work. He had numerous additional exhibitions including the Artists House in Jerusalem, the Library of Congress and the National Academy of Design. He taught at the Pratt Institute and Notre Dame University. He designed twelve stained glass windows for the Agudas Achim Synagogue in Ohio and illustrated the epic Gilgamesh for the Limited Editions Club.
His work is included the collections of many museums including the Metropolitan, the Museum of Modern Art, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Albertina Museum Vienna, the Bezalel National Museum Jerusalem, the Biblioteque Nationale Paris, the Biblioteque Royal Brussels, the Auckland City Art Gallery Auckland New Zealand, the Corcoran Gallery Washington DC, Dartmouth College, the Fogg Art Museum Cambridge, the Jewish Museum NY, the Judah L. Magnes Memorial Museum Berkeley, CA, the City of Philadelphia Public Library, the NY Public Library, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Butler Institute, the Art Museum of Princeton, the Smithsonian Institution, the Univeristy of Notre Dame, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Yale University Museum and numerous others.
He leaves a sister Sharon (Frank) Swersky of Mountainside NJ, a brother Philip (June) Aimen of Glenview, IL and several neices and nephews.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Irving Amen

12 Entries

Alexandra Cook

September 4, 2012

Last year at a small country auction I got this wonderful piece of art - a tall narrow print/lithograph of birds in dark colors. It was disheveled with dirty glass and rough frame. But, I loved it and bought it. I finally reframed it and decided to find out whose bold signature is on the bottom. Now I know. Mr. Amen was truly talented and through my research i see he touched many lives. My sympathy to his family on his death.

Alexandra Cook, New Hampshire

To Your Memory and Legacy

Raymond Baca

July 6, 2012

I am sorry to just hear of Irving Amen death in November 2011. I have enjoyed his work "The Dancers" for many years in my Mothers dining room and for the last three years it has graced mine. I am also fortunate to have a couple of artist proofs from Mr Amen as well. Thank you Irving Amen......
Shalom to the Amen Family and may God be with you.

Adam Chicas

June 29, 2012

I just learned about the passing of Irving Amen, and I am truly saddened. His artwork has adorned my walls for years and my 11 year old daughter always tells me that she wants one of them when "she grows up and has her own place". Thank you Irving for everything. May you rest in peace.

Nicole Stone

March 9, 2012

Hello,
We are working on a motion picture and would like to use a piece of artwork by Irving Amen. I was wondering if someone could help me get this request to the corect people, his estate possibly. Thank you very much for your help.

Nancy D'Agostino

nancy D'Agostino

February 11, 2012

I was saddened to hear of the passing of this great man and artist. I have loved Mr. Amen's work since the early 70's when I bought Duel in NYC, as a student. I carried this work with me in all my moves around the country. I am writing a paper about him for a relief printing class. I have created one of his works as an homage to a great artist. Rest In Peace and may there be plenty of wood to cut and ink to print in heaven. Best Regards, Nancy D'Agostino

susan elkins

January 30, 2012

I was so very saddened when learning of Irving Amen's passing. What a wonderful painter he was. I celebrated his work and it always amazed me that more attention wasn't paid to his unique style and composition. Always wished to make his acquaintance and learn about him, his life and his motivations.

The world has lost a most gifted artist... and to those who have known him and shared in his life how fortunate you are. I imagine he was a man of great depth and feeling. God bless those who will miss him and whose lives he touched.

Susan Elkins January 30, 2012

This was an entry I made long ago when wishing to find out more about a painting that hung in our family home.

02/16/2003
susan elkins
Irving Amen painting of Three women
My parents, while they resided in NYC purchased an AMEN painting and it sat over our fireplace in the family room. My memories of our home on Long Island will never be forgotten and the vivid impression that remains to this day is enhanced by my recollection of his work. How many endless hours i would sit and stare at the beautiful rendering of these three women, who were merely girls i think...sisters, I'm certain. Its beauty overwhelms me still. The painting had an overall Blue Hue with a touch of white on a blouse one of them wears... They remain with us today as it was what we held onto from our past, as we brought it with us to Texas where we now reside. My dad has passed but fond loving memories remain as dad knew how i loved this painting as we discussed this many times. My dad was an artist too. If you have any information about this painting from either Mr. Amen or in a book about his work please share it with me. Thank you

January 21, 2012

I am saddened by the passing of Mr. Amen. I have long admired his creative works of art. My favorite "Wonderland # 3" which hangs in my family room and will long remain as a rememberance of his talented contribution to the world of art. Jo Anna Jarvis, Montclair N.J.

Valerie Uram

January 8, 2012

I am so sad to learn of Mr Amen's passing. I have grown to love him through his work which has enriched my home and my heart for many many years. My deapest sympathy to his family.
Valerie Uram

John Williams

December 7, 2011

In memory of Irving Amen

The morning sunrise was crimson delight.
The artist etched a ship sailing away.
The sea sang sad songs of red skies at night.

Winds seemed to capture sails as kites in flight.
Standing and staring, and you would stay.
The morning sunrise was crimson delight.

Colors he chose were through genius eyes.
If you listened you could hear a sea wave.
The sea sang sad songs of red skies at night.

The variations went from dark to light.
You would think the sun's bringing a new day.
The morning sunrise was crimson delight.

Choosing the one to buy was a real fright.
The one I bought he called "Sea Song" by name.
The sea sang sad songs of red skies at night.

He painted his last blue sky in his mind.
He went away a week ago today.
The morning sunrise was crimson delight.
The sea sang sad songs of red skies at night.

John Williams

December 1, 2011

I must ask myself why I own so many of his prints. Maybe because I compare him to a 'Bach'.
I notice something new in his compositions I must have missed before.

November 30, 2011

Dear Amen Family: It is sad to hear of such a loss, as all lives are precious. As the days and months go by, and you return to your routine in life, may fond memories of Irving bring you peace of mind until the day comes when no one will have to be prisoners of death any longer.

jeanette Hendler

November 30, 2011

Having known Irving before he moved to Boca and then again in Boca, it is sad to hear he passed away. I always enjoyed visiting him as I was purchasing his artwork. He was his own man and most talented. If anyone wants to discuss his art, please contact me. [email protected]

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