The People Play-Spring

1941

Benton Murdoch Spruance

Associated Names
Benton Spruance

Artist, American, 1904 - 1967

This is a painting of a fairground at night. The image features detailed depictions of amusement rides and attractions, with many figures engaged in various activities. People are seen standing and conversing in the foreground, while couples sit on benches. Brightly lit attractions like a carousel and a roller coaster are in the middle ground, adorned with twinkling lights. Above, an acrobat performs on a trapeze labeled "Venus," while underground, there is a dark chamber resembling a morgue with skeletal figures and what appear to be coffins. This creates a contrast between surface-level activity and a darker undertone. The style is reminiscent of expressionism or social realism, with an emphasis on movement and possibly social commentary.
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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2020

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

Inscriptions

Inscribed: "The People Play - Spring -" in pencil, lower center; "Ed 40 - " in pencil, lower left corner; signed: "B.S." on stone, lower right corner; "Benton Spruance - 41 -" in pencil, lower right corner

Wikidata ID

Q76441392

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