Playful, ambitious, and rich with visual invention, this John O’Brien painting reimagines New York Harbor as a stage for gentle absurdity. A grand ocean liner glides past the Manhattan skyline, guided not by tugboats but by a pod of whales—spouting water like synchronized fountains and turning maritime realism into elegant fantasy. John says, "[the idea] came to me as I saw similarities between tugboat's celebratory spraying in New York Harbor and whales blow spouts. I just replaced one with the other for a little whimsy and humor."
Published as the cover of The New Yorker on April 9, 1990, the image captures O’Brien’s signature blend of meticulous draftsmanship and imaginative humor. By transforming a familiar cityscape into something magical, the piece stands as a memorable example of The New Yorker’s tradition of visual wit and inventive storytelling—and a delightful nod to New York’s enduring sense of wonder.
The work measures 11.75" x 16" on 14.5" x 19" Bristol vellum paper in radiant watercolor. Excellent condition.
