Maelstrom 1943

"Maelstrom" is a lithograph created by American artist Francis Sumner Merritt in 1943. The artwork depicts a chaotic scene of figures swirling around a central vortex, suggesting a sense of overwhelming power and uncertainty. The use of stark black and white creates a dramatic contrast, while the swirling lines and forms convey a sense of motion and energy. Merritt’s work often explored themes of the human condition, and "Maelstrom" can be interpreted as a reflection of the anxieties and uncertainties of wartime. The lithograph, measuring 218 x 171 mm, evokes a sense of unease, mirroring the turbulent times in which it was created.