The Picture Buyer 1911

"The Picture Buyer" (1911) is an etching by American artist John Sloan (1871-1951). The artwork portrays a scene in an art gallery, where a well-dressed man, likely a collector, is presented with a painting by a salesperson. The artist's use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and texture, typical of his style. The composition captures a moment of negotiation, highlighting the social interaction and the dynamics of the art market. Sloan's focus on everyday life in early 20th-century America makes "The Picture Buyer" a significant example of Ashcan School art, a movement that emphasized realism and social commentary.