Spanish Gipsy c. 1940s

Al Marvin made this print called ‘Spanish Gipsy’ sometime in the mid-20th century, we don’t know exactly when. What I find arresting is the way the artist has captured a fleeting moment with a medium that lends itself to detail. Look closely and you'll see the textures he coaxes out of the materials. The rendering of the trees and foliage which border the scene is so incredibly detailed, giving it a sense of depth and volume. This contrasts with the comparatively softer treatment of the mountains in the background, almost like a stage set. The central figure’s motion is palpable as she leaps and twirls, and her male companion is relaxed, and grounded, and seemingly oblivious to her joyful dance. It’s a composition about contrasts and capturing a feeling, not a place. The artist Edward Hopper comes to mind when looking at this print. Both share a similar dedication to depicting American life in a way that is both realistic and idealized. Like Hopper, Marvin seems interested in capturing a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, a time when people were more connected to nature and each other.