Herman Volz

American, 1904 - 1990

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The image shows an array of geometric shapes and lines, including cylindrical and triangular forms. The composition creates an abstract cityscape with industrial elements. One cylinder has a patterned globe on top, and another structure looks like a funnel. Linear structures in the background resemble scaffolding and cranes. Tubular objects are scattered in the foreground, resembling logs or pipes.
Herman Volz, Lumberyard, 1944, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4892

Lumberyard

Herman Volz · 1944 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4892

The image shows several people fishing on a steep, rocky promontory by the sea. The horizon separates the sky from the ocean. The brushstrokes emphasize the cliff's texture and the waves below, creating a sense of motion. The color palette is monochromatic, using shades of black, white, and gray. In the distance to the left, smaller rock formations are visible. The figures, sky, and waves create a sense of scale and tension in the artwork.
Herman Volz, December 7, 1941, c. 1941, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4891

December 7, 1941

Herman Volz · c. 1941 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4891

This is a drawing of an industrial scene with two figures handling a large hook. The figures are dressed in work attire and one is holding the hook while the other gestures towards it. The background shows a maritime setting with cranes, ships, and stacks of materials. The composition uses strong contrast and shading to emphasize the solidity of the machinery and figures.
Herman Volz, The Argument, 1940, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4893

The Argument

Herman Volz · 1940 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4893

The image displays bold, geometric shapes such as an arch and rectangular forms that create an abstract composition. The arch shape is central, flanked by rectangular blocks. In the background, there are two dark silhouettes with thin vertical lines, resembling ship masts, adding to a maritime theme. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the depth of the scene.
Herman Volz, Pier 39, 1940, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4885

Pier 39

Herman Volz · 1940 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4885

This is a drawing of a protest scene with banners and industrial background elements. The image depicts a group of figures walking in a line, holding banners with slogans such as "No Scrap for War Against China" and "No Scrap for Bombs." The figures are marching against a backdrop that includes industrial elements like large cogwheels and barrels. The style of the drawing is reminiscent of social realism, focusing on the social concerns associated with industrialization and war. The use of strong lines and contrast in shading emphasizes the seriousness of the scene.
Herman Volz, Untitled (Picket Line), c. 1938, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4890

Untitled (Picket Line)

Herman Volz · c. 1938 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4890

The image shows geometric shapes and lines arranged in a striking composition. Two large rectangular prisms are in the center, connected by a curved pipe. Beside them, a horizontal cylindrical shape is supported by a smaller block. In the foreground, a line of small, uniformly spaced figures move in single file, resembling ants. This creates an abstract pattern of movement, drawing visual parallels to manufactured and natural processes.
Herman Volz, Industrialization, 1937, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4887

Industrialization

Herman Volz · 1937 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4887

The image shows a city street lined with high-rise buildings. The perspective is from ground level, looking down the long street towards the horizon. The composition features rooftops and some structural elements in the distance. The style is graphic with angular shapes and contrast between light and dark areas. The color scheme is grayscale with black, white, and shades of grey. The street is wide and appears mostly empty with a few small figures present. The scene becomes more industrial towards the end of the street. The artwork has a minimalist and abstract aesthetic.
Herman Volz, One at Bat, 1936, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4888

One at Bat

Herman Volz · 1936 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4888

The image displays a cluttered industrial landscape viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon is obscured by a high wall running across the composition. A variety of mechanical parts and machinery is arranged beyond the wall, with a crane arm extended above them. The artwork is detailed and textured, using shades of black, grey, and white. Two figures are depicted on the left, with one holding a newspaper. A large cylindrical pipe is horizontally placed in the bottom right corner, accompanied by a smaller pipe. Utility poles are also visible in the scene.
Herman Volz, Scrap Iron, c. 1935-1943, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4883

Scrap Iron

Herman Volz · c. 1935-1943 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4883

This is a painting of a docked ship alongside a pier. The image displays a large ship on the left side, moored by a rope wrapped around a bollard. A dock extends alongside the ship, bordered on the right by a tall wall. Several cranes are suspended over the dock, with cables hanging down. Near the center of the dock, there are mechanical-looking objects. The painting is rendered in a monochromatic palette with gradients creating depth and shadows.
Herman Volz, Ship and Dock, c. 1934-1937, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4884

Ship and Dock

Herman Volz · c. 1934-1937 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4884

This is a drawing featuring figures and architectural structures depicted using stark contrasts between light and shadow. In the foreground, there are two figures, one standing with a powerful stance and another kneeling beside a figure lying on the ground. In the background, there are silhouetted figures and structures. The use of light emphasizes the muscular tension and emotional weight of the scene, conveying themes of conflict or unrest. The composition's depth is achieved through shading and the placement of figures leading from the foreground to the background.
Herman Volz, San Francisco Waterfront Strike, 1934, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4889

San Francisco Waterfront Strike

Herman Volz · 1934 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4889