Dorothea Lau

American, active 1930s

Explore selected works

A painting of a market scene outside a building with various produce on display. The artwork depicts an outdoor market setting, where a vendor is showing cucumbers to onlookers, while an assortment of produce such as green vegetables, apples, and pears are displayed. Signs indicate the items being sold and their prices. The scene is full of rich, earthy colors and detailed textures. The style is reminiscent of Diego Rivera, characterized by social realism and a focus on everyday scenes of work and life.
Dorothea Lau, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Vegetable Market, c. 1940, color lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.426

Vegetable Market

Dorothea Lau, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · c. 1940 · color lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.426

The image shows a group of figures walking up a rocky path with towering rock formations dominating the scene. The brushstrokes are bold, creating a contrast between light and shadow. The color palette is monochromatic with shades of black, white, and gray. The figures are outlined and walking in single file. In the distance, the rock formations continue, and to the left, there are buildings among rolling hills.
Dorothea Lau, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Refugees, c. 1930s, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.425

Refugees

Dorothea Lau, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · c. 1930s · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.425

This is a painting of a group of men gathered at the entrance to an establishment. The scene is lively yet somber, capturing a moment of social gathering in an urban setting. One man on the left is reading a newspaper. The signage reads "Grand Café" with offerings such as "Soup" and "Hash Pie." A barber pole is visible on the left side of the entryway. Coats are hanging on the right side. The clothing and general appearance suggest a setting from the early to mid-20th century. The artwork style is influenced by the realist movement. This is in the style of Thomas Hart Benton.
Dorothea Lau, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Evening in the Gateway, c. 1930s, color lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.423

Evening in the Gateway

Dorothea Lau, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · c. 1930s · color lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.423

The image depicts a house on a hill surrounded by water, viewed from an elevated angle. The horizon is not visible, as land and water blend in the distance. The brushstrokes show flowing movement in the water and sky, with more defined lines for the land and house. The color palette is primarily black and gray. Two boats with figures inside are in the lower corners, and there are leaning power lines. Clouds cast shadows in the sky.
Dorothea Lau, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Flooded Land, c. 1930s, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.424

Flooded Land

Dorothea Lau, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · c. 1930s · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.424