The Repose in Egypt 1940

Curator: Here we have Benton Spruance’s lithograph, “The Repose in Egypt,” created in 1940. Editor: It has a very somber mood. The stark black and white contrast definitely adds to that sense of quiet desperation. Curator: Absolutely. Spruance masterfully utilizes the lithographic process to create a range of tones, building a powerful scene of this family. Notice the details on the woman’s dress, the folds and how they capture the light – or, in this case, shades of gray. Editor: The hatching and cross-hatching are also remarkably controlled, creating such subtly modeled forms, particularly the figures of the mother and children. But beyond its technical aspects, I find its geometric arrangement of architectural background unsettling; so clean. Curator: And if you look closer, this image really reflects the realities of life for many during that period, and this particular title seems more aspirational and metaphorical. There's an industrial feel. Editor: Metaphorical, indeed, given the backdrop of what looks like a bleak, urban environment. And the reference to “Egypt,” suggesting a kind of modern exile, reinforces a reading beyond the immediately visible. It prompts questions. Is this their point of embarkation? The family sits among bags at the bus stop, bearing a luggage upon which is writ: "READ THE LORD". How is this all interconnected? Curator: Consider also the role of printmaking as a democratic medium, making art accessible to a wider audience and potentially inspiring empathy or social action through its visual commentary on societal conditions. Editor: Yet, despite its focus on ordinary lives, the composition leans towards monumental. Its design is about stability and timelessness, which offers us insight into social circumstances with all its hopes. Curator: Ultimately, "The Repose in Egypt" operates on many layers; technique, its somber design, or cultural significance— invites continuous reflection. Editor: An enigmatic piece—so much weight conveyed through such masterful economy of line.