{"product_id":"rooftop-arrival-robert-lohman-c-1972","title":"Rooftop Arrival - Robert Lohman, c. 1972","description":"\u003carticle class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"b4b4e1d1-7f85-478b-ad26-490320b8c976\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-6\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"ba5e0f6d-53ed-43ac-8dd3-bccf9fc79f84\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rte-table-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 98.087%;\" height=\"1543\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"53\"\u003eArtwork Description\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRooftop Arrival*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"53\" data-end=\"56\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"56\" data-end=\"88\"\u003eRobert Lohman, c. 1972\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003carticle class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"b4b4e1d1-7f85-478b-ad26-490320b8c976\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-6\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"ba5e0f6d-53ed-43ac-8dd3-bccf9fc79f84\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"7dbb9ce6-002d-4a76-84f7-6af88d3e62f9\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-end=\"2191\" data-start=\"1721\"\u003eIn \u003cstrong data-end=\"1743\" data-start=\"1724\"\u003eRooftop Arrival\u003c\/strong\u003e, Robert Lohman takes an immediately recognizable seasonal subject and breaks it into a lively arrangement of curves, textures, and overlapping forms. The scene most convincingly depicts Santa Claus on a rooftop, with his sleigh occupying nearly the entire lower portion of the composition. Yet the image avoids straightforward storytelling. The figures and objects remain fluid enough that they repeatedly move between representation and abstraction.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2556\" data-start=\"2193\"\u003eSanta is positioned at the upper left, surprisingly small compared with the vehicle below him. His pointed hat, beard, and rounded body establish his identity, but there is nothing grand about his presentation. He looks more like a worker in the middle of a difficult task than the effortless magical figure found in traditional Christmas illustrations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2911\" data-start=\"2558\"\u003eThat difference in scale is central to the work. Santa should logically be the focus of the scene, yet the enormous sleigh, the rooftop equipment, and the overflowing sack nearly consume him. Lohman seems interested in the physical work hidden behind the fantasy: landing, balancing, carrying, unloading, and navigating a roof filled with obstacles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3326\" data-start=\"2913\"\u003eSanta extends an arm toward the upper-right corner, where a dense, irregular mass rises above the rest of the image. This is most likely his sack. Its knotted outlines and layered washes make it appear heavy, overfilled, and somewhat unruly. No individual gifts are detailed. Instead, abundance is communicated through the sheer density of the form, as though the contents are pushing outward against the fabric.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3604\" data-start=\"3328\"\u003eThe sack is one of the darkest and most active areas in the composition. Its tangled surface contrasts with the more controlled parallel lines used elsewhere. The difference helps distinguish its soft, overflowing character from the harder construction of the sleigh and roof.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3977\" data-start=\"3606\"\u003eBetween Santa and the sack, a long object crosses the composition. Its directional form and small perpendicular elements make a weather vane a reasonable reading, although it could also be another piece of rooftop equipment. Either way, it serves as more than a background detail. It physically interrupts Santa’s reach and gives the scene its slightly slapstick quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4327\" data-start=\"3979\"\u003eRather than arriving on a perfectly empty rooftop, Santa has landed in a cluttered environment and must work around it. The fantasy becomes believable through inconvenience. Lohman imagines the part of the story that is normally skipped: what happens after the sleigh lands and Santa has to maneuver himself and his cargo across an actual roof.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4685\" data-start=\"4329\"\u003eThe sleigh dominates the lower two-thirds of the image. It is not drawn as one clearly enclosed vehicle, but assembled from several broad curves, striped sections, dark bands, and overlapping gray washes. Its upper edge sweeps across the middle of the sheet, creating a strong arc that separates Santa and the sack from the larger abstract machinery below. At the lower right, the large spiral form reads naturally as an ornamental sleigh runner. The sleigh is recognizable, but it never becomes entirely stable and carries expressionist flair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5764\" data-start=\"5449\"\u003eLohman builds movement through repetition. The roofline, Santa’s arm, the weather vane, the sleigh body, and the runner all bend across the composition in broad arcs. These curves pull the eye downward and around the page, creating the impression of a vehicle that has just landed and has not yet fully settled. The repeated diagonal lines introduce a different rhythm. Their orderly spacing contrasts with the loose brushwork of the sack and the softer gray washes surrounding the figures. The image shifts constantly between controlled structure and playful disorder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"6373\" data-start=\"6116\"\u003eThis tension is especially appropriate to the subject. Christmas Eve is imagined as a carefully repeated ritual, yet the picture presents it as a chaotic physical operation. Santa may follow the same route every year, but each rooftop creates a new problem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"6688\" data-start=\"6375\"\u003eThe monochromatic palette separates \u003cstrong data-end=\"6430\" data-start=\"6411\"\u003eRooftop Arrival\u003c\/strong\u003e from more conventional holiday art. There is no bright red coat, green wreath, or golden light to make the subject instantly cheerful. The warm paper, gray washes, and black contours give the work the appearance of an old illustrated tale, memory, or dream. Without color, the viewer pays greater attention to the artist’s handling of line. Some passages are quickly brushed and transparent, while others are heavily worked or built through repeated hatching. This variety keeps the composition active despite its limited palette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"7328\" data-start=\"6964\"\u003eThe work also contains a gentle but persistent humor. Santa’s small scale, tentative reach, and comical socks make him seem endearingly human. His sleigh is enormous, his sack looks difficult to manage, and the weather vane appears to be directly in his way. The artist does not mock him so much as acknowledge the absurd logistics behind the familiar story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"7704\" data-start=\"7330\"\u003eAt the same time, the image possesses a dreamlike quality. The spatial relationships do not entirely make sense. The sleigh may overlap the roof, the figures vary dramatically in size, and several forms seem to exist in more than one visual role. The artist appears more interested in communicating the sensation of arrival than in accurately illustrating a specific moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"8388\" data-start=\"8006\"\u003eLohman's work succeeds because it makes a familiar fantasy feel strange and active again. Rather than presenting Santa as a polished seasonal symbol, the artist gives us a moment filled with effort, movement, and mild confusion. \u003cstrong data-end=\"8261\" data-start=\"8242\"\u003eRooftop Arrival\u003c\/strong\u003e imagines Christmas magic not as something effortless, but as a wonderfully complicated job unfolding above the sleeping world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n-\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(114, 58, 150);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJonathan Flike\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(114, 58, 150);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003ch6 class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e*The title of this work was assigned by Visard Gallery.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"8106\" data-end=\"8414\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(114, 58, 150);\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"8106\" data-end=\"8123\"\u003eRobert Lohman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e was an American artist associated with Indiana modernism, recognized as both a sculptor and painter. The National Gallery of Art identifies Lohman as an American artist, 1919–2001, and holds examples of his 1966 bronze medallic work created with the Medallic Art Company in its collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"8416\" data-end=\"8993\"\u003eLohman worked across a wide range of media, including watercolor, oil, wood, plaster, ceramics, and bronze. Biographical sources identify him as a portrait and figure sculptor as well as a painter, with formal study at the John Herron Art Institute, Cranbrook, and Yale. He assisted the noted sculptor Carl Milles at Cranbrook Academy and later served as Director of Fine Arts at Cranbrook from 1947 to 1949. Lohman also taught at Washington University in St. Louis and the Indianapolis Art League, where he remained connected to art education and regional modernist practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"8995\" data-end=\"9475\"\u003eHis work often moves between figuration and abstraction, reflecting the eye of a sculptor and the freedom of a modernist draftsman.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"8995\" data-end=\"9475\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnderrepresented Artist Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"8995\" data-end=\"9475\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(114, 58, 150);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRobert Lohman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e may also be understood within the broader history of underrepresented LGBT artists in the American Midwest. Documentary records connect him closely with Jerrol T. Davis of Indianapolis, who served as Secretary-Treasurer of Robert Lohman, Inc.; Davis’s obituary confirms his role in Lohman’s company, and later memorial sources identify him as Lohman’s spouse. While historical records from this period often leave same-sex relationships only partially documented, the available evidence points to a significant personal and professional partnership that adds important context to Lohman’s life and legacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCustom Shipping Notice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eN\/A\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInformation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStyle: Modern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubject: Figure \/ Scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYear: 1972\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 6.25 x 9.5 in (15.87 x 24.13 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedium: Watercolor \/ Ink\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignature: Signed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCirculation status: One of a kind\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrame Status: Unframed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"119\" data-start=\"78\"\u003eVintage Condition Disclaimer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"122\" data-start=\"119\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePlease note that this item is vintage and shows wear consistent with age, use, and history. Signs of wear may include, but are not limited to, minor surface marks, patina, fading, or imperfections typical of older items. All items are sold\u003cstrong\u003e as-is\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is standard with vintage and pre-owned goods and cannot be returned on the basis of condition. Measurements are approximate. We do our best to describe items accurately; however, condition assessments are subjective. If you would like additional details, images, or clarification before purchasing, please contact us through the contact form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Condition Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eN\/A\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1972 - Unknown\u003c\/strong\u003e: Robert Lohman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnknown - 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private Collector\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2026\u003c\/strong\u003e: Ripley's Auctions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2026 - Present\u003c\/strong\u003e: Visard Gallery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003cem\u003e*Provenance and attribution details are based on our best research and are offered in good faith but are not guaranteed. Please contact us through the contact form with any questions prior to purchase.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcademic Resources\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fo\/7v6b697fdgsoyq7fv8z8r\/AOoojaiTQy2gQ6d3HFlYp5Y?rlkey=b5y5kuh8vrwt3n9h2bg93ilkj\u0026amp;st=dhusmlzy\u0026amp;dl=0\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003eRobert Lohman Research\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fo\/azy0g1jiiuwoqobunfvnr\/AGNcmO5EW9EmfgkXAAtYTGg?rlkey=4fny60lhndc49gpfh98y8e84j\u0026amp;st=45vm26dt\u0026amp;dl=0\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search?q=Robert+Lohman\u0026amp;searchField=ArtistCulture\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003eRobert Lohman Collection at the Met\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nga.gov\/artworks\/177610-nature-obverse\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003eRobert Lohman Collection at the National Gallery of Art\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Visard Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46702695383201,"sku":"ART194","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/visardgallery.com\/products\/rooftop-arrival-robert-lohman-c-1972","provider":"Visard Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}