Pool Room c. 1935 - 1943

Beatrice Mandelman's lithograph, *Pool Room,* captures a moment frozen in time. The scene is set with a palette of muted greens, reds, and browns, giving off a nostalgic vibe. I imagine Mandelman, charcoal in hand, sketching out this composition, feeling the weight of the paper, the scratch of the charcoal, and the hum of the printing press. What was she thinking as she rendered each figure, each object? There's the guy leaning over the pool table, eyes focused, cue in hand. You can almost hear the click of the balls. And the others, standing around, observing, waiting their turn in hats and suits. The texture and subtle gradations in color—from the green felt of the pool table to the warm walls—create depth and mood, adding to the emotional resonance of the scene. It's a reminder that artists are always in conversation, drawing from their own experiences while echoing the voices of others. The lithograph captures a specific time and place, but also speaks to universal themes of leisure, camaraderie, and the human experience.