Road Workers c. 1936

William Gropper created this lithograph, "Road Workers," using a process that democratized image-making. Lithography allowed artists to create multiple original prints from a single drawing on a stone or metal plate. The grainy texture is inherent to the medium. The artist draws on the plate with a greasy crayon, then applies ink, which adheres only to the drawn areas. When pressed to paper, the image transfers, creating the print. Gropper’s choice of lithography aligns with the image’s subject: working-class laborers. The stark black and white contrasts and the rough, unfinished quality of the print mirror the harsh realities of their lives and labor. The strong lines emphasize the men's physical strain, highlighting the social and economic disparities of the time. The print, as a multiple, also becomes a vehicle for social commentary, accessible to a wider audience beyond the traditional art world. "Road Workers" reminds us that art can be both a reflection of and a catalyst for social change.