Early Modern Blog

 Media - 1971.447.83 - SAAM-1971.447.83_1 - 4127

Above is a painting by Mitchell Siporin called Back of the Yards created in 1938. You can see how the faces look quite unusual, and I think that makes them stand out. Their facial expressions look tired and sad. The contrast in this piece of art is beautiful, it adds so much depth in everything. There are both curved and straight lines presented. I believe the family of three pop out the most in this art because they are in the center. Apparently the family are homeless during the great depression. This painting gives off sad vibes because of the cool colors and the looks on their faces. 


Media - 1964.1.5 - SAAM-1964.1.5_1 - 1716

This is a painting called Waterfront Scene by Pino Janni created in 1934. You can see two men at a dock; During the great depression people were in desperate need of jobs, no matter how little they got paid. This painting seems so sad because of the dark colors. The contrast is quite dark which creates more of the depressing vibes. 

Media - 1981.80.1 - SAAM-1981.80.1_1 - 49067

This was created in 1938 by Mervin Jules and it's called Dispossessed. The great depression left many people homeless, and here is a homeless elderly couple. Their facial expressions appear so emotionless. The colors of their clothing make them stand out. 


"Back of the Yards" Smithsonian American Art Museum. https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/back-yards-22428. Accessed 6 Nov. 2023

"Waterfront Scene" Smithsonian American Art Museum. https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/waterfront-scene-11314. Accessed 6 Nov. 2023

"Dispossessed" Smithsonian American Art Museum. https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/dispossessed-12782. Accessed 6 Nov. 2023




Comments

  1. JenniferNovember 9, 2023 at 12:10 PM

    I really like the first painting. I like how the distorted faces give the painting a dystopian fantasy feel. The setting being in the Great Depression is very obvious with the run down buildings and the run down look of the people. I think the use of blending, and using similar colors in the different area of thee painting also help contribute a very dreary feeling to the work.

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