Nan Lurie

Lurie, Nancy Oestrich
American, 1910 - 1985

Explore selected works

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.
Nan Lurie, Subway Bootblack, c. 1937, lithograph in black on wove paper, Gift of Jacob Kainen, 2002.98.155

Subway Bootblack

Nan Lurie · c. 1937 · lithograph in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2002.98.155
The image shows a man's neck and upper torso, reclined with his head tilted back and mouth open. His eyes are tightly closed, revealing his teeth. The man has short, curly hair. The illustration is monochromatic with strong lines and shading. The shoulder and arm musculature are emphasized with swirling lines. The figure is not wearing clothing, with an abstract background of swirling lines around him.
Nan Lurie, Early Morning, c. 1937, lithograph in black on wove paper, Gift of Jacob Kainen, 2002.98.154

Early Morning

Nan Lurie · c. 1937 · lithograph in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2002.98.154
The image depicts a partial view of a person, capturing their head, shoulders, and upper torso. They are positioned in a three-quarter profile, facing to the right of the frame. The facial features are rendered in an expressive, abstract manner, with dark, swirling lines and shadow accents that suggest deep-set eyes and prominent lips. The hair is depicted as a textured mass on top, blending into the dark background. The clothing merges with the form. No jewelry or objects are visible. The background is dark and heavily textured, with bold, energetic lines creating movement around the individual.
Nan Lurie, Investigating Committee Broadcast, c. 1937, lithograph in black on wove paper, Gift of Jacob Kainen, 2002.98.46

Investigating Committee Broadcast

Nan Lurie · c. 1937 · lithograph in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2002.98.46
The image shows swirling lines and overlapping shapes creating an abstract scene. Human figures are scattered among the lines, resembling a lively dance or performance. The top section includes fragmented text, suggesting a busy urban setting similar to theatre posters. The bottom section shows defined human figures huddled together in what appears to be the interior of a subway car. The composition blends these elements into a visually dynamic and abstract collage.
Nan Lurie, Promised Land, c. 1935-1943, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.3267

Promised Land

Nan Lurie · c. 1935-1943 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.3267
This is a drawing of an old car parked in front of a deteriorating building. The image is in black and white and shows signs of neglect and decay. The vintage automobile is partially covered and sits in front of a wooden structure with broken walls and a damaged roof. Surrounding the building and car are overgrown foliage and debris. The sky is overcast, adding to the somber mood of the scene. The composition emphasizes textures of the dilapidated surfaces.
Nan Lurie, Ice House, c. 1935-1943, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.3270

Ice House

Nan Lurie · c. 1935-1943 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.3270
The image shows a large blue table covered with a colorful abstract pattern and several fruits in the center, surrounded by various fabrics and patterns. The color palette is vibrant with dominant shades of red, blue, pink, and green, accented by yellow and orange tones. There is an open door on the left and a window with partially drawn curtains on the right. The background is richly textured, creating a dynamic and deep interior space.
Nan Lurie, Country Kitchen, c. 1935-1943, screenprint, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.3269

Country Kitchen

Nan Lurie · c. 1935-1943 · screenprint ·  Accession ID  2008.115.3269
The image shows a train platform from a slightly elevated and angled perspective. The brushstrokes are expressive with a sketch-like quality, creating contrast between light and shadow. The color palette is monochromatic, with shades of black, grey, and white. The view includes part of the platform and architectural details like railings, as well as advertising posters. In the background, there are indistinct figures and structural elements, with fading shading for depth.
Nan Lurie, Elevated Platform, 20th century, lithograph in black on wove paper, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.3268

Elevated Platform

Nan Lurie · 20th century · lithograph in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2008.115.3268