City Market 1935 - 1943

Harry Gottlieb created "City Market" using lithography. Gottlieb was deeply involved in social realism, a movement that sought to represent the lives and struggles of ordinary people. The print captures a bustling scene, likely from the 1930s, a period marked by economic hardship and social upheaval. Look closely at the composition and the people. Notice how Gottlieb focuses on working-class individuals amidst the chaos of daily commerce. The clothing they wear and the labor they perform speak to their socio-economic status. Do you see how the artist uses the density and layering of figures to create a sense of community, but also anonymity? Gottlieb’s prints often celebrate the resilience and dignity of the working class during times of economic adversity. By depicting everyday life, Gottlieb elevates the struggles of ordinary people, encouraging empathy and reflection. Think about what this image might have meant to viewers during the Depression era, and what it might mean to us today.