Subway Bootblack

c. 1937

Nan Lurie

Associated Names
Nan Lurie

Artist, American, 1910 - 1985

This is a drawing of an urban scene featuring empty chairs and a small interior space. The image depicts several empty chairs lined up against a wall inside a room that appears to be in a commercial or public setting. The scene is captured with strong, expressive strokes that convey shadows and contrasts, creating a dimly lit atmosphere. In the foreground, there is a dog with a small sign placed in front of the chairs. The room's ceiling is visible, with a focus on the light angle emphasizing the depth and structure. On the right, there's an open doorway with a distorted face painted on the door. The drawing uses monochromatic tones to render the scene.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lithograph in black on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Jacob Kainen

  • Dimensions

    image: 34.7 x 44.7 cm (13 11/16 x 17 5/8 in.)
    sheet: 40.3 x 54 cm (15 7/8 x 21 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2002.98.155


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Susan Teller Gallery, New York); Jacob Kainen, Washington, D.C., purchased November 14, 2000; gift to NGA, 2002.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower center in graphite: Subway Bootblack; lower right in graphite: Nan Lurie; lower left stamped in black: FEDERAL ART PROJECT / NYC / WPA

Wikidata ID

Q76349053

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