Diversion 1939

Isac Friedlander made this etching, titled "Diversion," in 1939. It depicts a lively bar scene with dancers, drinkers, and a bartender, and is rich with social commentary. The image creates meaning through its depiction of leisure and escape during the Great Depression in the United States. Notice the racial dynamics at play. The prominent figure of the Black man in the foreground, calmly smoking a cigar and observing the revelry, contrasts with the white patrons engaged in carefree dancing and drinking. This contrast could critique the social inequalities of the time, reflecting on who has access to carefree leisure, and who is excluded. The institution of the bar itself becomes a stage for social interaction and commentary. As historians, understanding the social and institutional context is paramount. We need to look at sources from the era to understand the politics of race, class, and leisure. Art like this is contingent on its social and institutional context.