Tobacco Farmers 1947

"Tobacco Farmers" is a 1947 lithograph by Robert Gwathmey (1903-1988). The print, which depicts three African American sharecroppers working in a field of tobacco plants, is notable for its bold, simplified forms and use of bright, contrasting colors. Gwathmey, who was known for his social realist artwork, aimed to highlight the realities of rural life in the South during the Jim Crow era. This piece exemplifies his signature style, characterized by flat planes of color, strong outlines, and a sense of movement.