The Wake on the Ferry 1949

John Sloan made this etching, "The Wake on the Ferry," during the early 20th century, a period of significant urban and social change. Sloan was part of the Ashcan School, artists who focused on depicting everyday life, especially of the working class. Here, we see a cross-section of New Yorkers on a rainy day, seeking shelter on a ferry. The image captures a sense of communal experience, where people from different walks of life are temporarily united. There’s a couple embracing, and a group huddled together, seeking comfort. Sloan's work often highlights the raw, unfiltered moments of city life, reflecting a broader cultural interest in realism and social commentary. Sloan said he sought to portray "life as he saw it," without sentimentality or idealization. The emotional resonance of this print lies in its depiction of human connection amidst the anonymity of urban existence. It prompts us to reflect on our own experiences of shared spaces.