The People Work - Evening

1937

Benton Murdoch Spruance

Associated Names
Benton Spruance

Artist, American, 1904 - 1967

This is an image of urban life centered around public transportation. The upper half shows a crowded city street with a tram, cars, and pedestrians moving under streetlights. The lower half depicts an interior scene, possibly a subway or train station where people are hurrying to board or standing tightly packed inside a train compartment. The setting suggests a sense of movement and daily routine within a metropolis in a monochromatic palette.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lithograph in black on Rives BFK paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    image: 34.61 × 48.26 cm (13 5/8 × 19 in.)
    sheet: 40.64 × 58.1 cm (16 × 22 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.7988

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Fine/Looney 1986, no. 143

Associated Artworks

See all 4 artworks
This is a drawing of an underground subway station. The artwork shows various spaces within the station, including figures descending stairs, waiting in line, standing on a platform, leaning against a subway car, and waiting for the train. The style is reminiscent of Thomas Hart Benton, characterized by a dynamic composition and exaggerated forms of the figures. The drawing captures the hustle and bustle of subway life, with many individuals involved in different activities, reflecting the energy and movement of the urban environment.

The People Work - Morning

Benton Spruance

1937

This is a photograph of a closed book with a plain cover. The book is oriented vertically with its spine on the left side. The book has a reddish-brown cover and the title "THE PEOPLE WORK" is printed in bold black uppercase letters running downward along the spine. The rest of the book cover is minimalist with no other text or decoration. The cover appears to have a textured surface, and there is a small, dark mark visible near the center-right area of the cover.

The People Work

Benton Spruance

1937

This is a drawing of an industrial scene with multiple figures engaged in various activities. The image shows a bustling atmosphere with light and shadow creating depth. On the lower level, figures are gathered, some seem to be working or conversing. Above them, another group moves along a stairway or platform. The detailed architecture includes arches, stairs, and railings, framing the scene.

The People Work - Noon

Benton Spruance

1937

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2017

  • The Urban Scene: 1920-1950, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2017, unnumbered catalogue.

2020

  • American Modernism, National Gallery of Art, Washington, February 20–March 17, 2020 and June 18, 2021–March 2, 2022.

Bibliography

1986

  • Fine, Ruth and Robert F. Looney. The Prints of Benton Murdoch Spruance. Philadelphia: University of Philadelphia Press, 1986.

Inscriptions

in graphite, lower left: 2/40; lower center: The People Work - Evening; lower right: Benton Spruance; in stone, lower right: b.s.

Markings

stamped in black on verso: [stamp of National Gallery of Art] [stamp of Lessing J. Rosenwald]

Watermarks

BFK FRANCE (of Rives Paper Mill)

Wikidata ID

Q65019169

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