Capitalist Justice c. 1938

James Grünbaum made this lithograph, titled "Capitalist Justice," in 1938. The image is rendered entirely in pencil, and the result is an incredible variety of textures. Notice the way that Grünbaum captures the soft folds of the figure's robe, in stark contrast to the hard, angular form of the vintage cash register at the center. He uses a range of marks, from light, feathery strokes to dense, dark lines, creating a sense of depth and volume. The surface is alive with detail, inviting you to run your fingers over it, even though it's just a drawing. Consider the social context: lithography was often used for political cartoons, and this one clearly critiques capitalism. By showing the cold, calculating nature of wealth, Grünbaum is inviting us to think about the relationship between labor, capital, and power. He isn't just making a pretty picture. He's challenging us to see the world in a new light, and to recognize the forces that shape our lives.