Created by
Jones, Frederick D. Jr., American, 1914 - 1996
Subject of
Unidentified Man or Men
Date
1937-1940
Medium
black carbon ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W: 8 5/8 x 8 in. (21.9 x 20.3 cm)
H x W (Matted): 14 x 11 in. (35.6 x 27.9 cm)
Description
A Depression-era wood engraving print of a crowd of strikers. The impression is very dark, making great use of shading and shadow to create details. The strikers that make up the crowd are portrayed as vigorous, monumental shapes. Their blocky, geometric forms recall elements of Industrialism, while their angular faces evoke African masks. The man in front stands solidly, knees bent and feet apart. He wears a short sleeve shirt and a cap. The figure turns towards his right and carries a sign over his right shoulder with both hands. The sign, one of the few patches of white in an image of dark greys, stands out from the rest of the picture and reads "UNFAIR TO US" in black letters. There are two men behind this figure, one to his left, also carrying a white sign that reads “WE WANT TO LIVE!" Both of these men are only partially visible from behind the front figure. All three men are standing on several white sheets on the ground that are scuffed, rumpled and may have writing on them. Behind the trio are several other shadowy figure, part of a brick wall, and a dented trash can. There is a wide margin around the image, with the title, edition number, and artist signature below.
Place made
Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Visual Arts
Type
wood engravings
Topic
Art
Civil rights
Labor
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2010.51.3
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown – Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5e26cc98c-aa94-40ab-b263-a0ff134c4745

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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