A Look Inside The Saints & Sinners of the Knickerbocker

Although it is famously linked to its current home at the St. Regis New York, Maxfield Parrish’s “Old King Cole” was originally commissioned by John Jacob Astor IV in 1906 for display at The Knickerbocker Hotel. In fact, the original Knick was well known not only for the artists who frequented the building, but also for the impressive works that adorned the walls. In keeping with this tradition, The Knickerbocker commissioned a modern talent to produce a piece worthy of the rebirth of an icon. The result: The Saints & Sinners of The Knickerbocker from acclaimed artist Molly Crabapple.

The piece, which is on display at our St. Cloud rooftop bar and lounge, is a tribute to the illustrious history of the hotel, depicting legendary figures, events, inventions and characters from the brief first incarnation of the property, spanning 1906-1921. The invention of the velvet rope, the sale of Babe Ruth to the Yankees and the armistice celebration on the hotel roof.

Artist Molly Crabapple is a native New Yorker herself, but has traveled extensively and lived all over the world. Her talent and unique perspective made perfect sense for a partnership with The Knick, and as a visual, there is no single work that portrays the brief and fascinating history of the original hotel better. Come see it for yourself on your next visit to St. Cloud!