Penny Bank c. 1939

"Penny Bank" is a watercolor painting created in 1939 by Samuel O. Klein, an American artist known for his detailed depictions of everyday objects. The artwork portrays a miniature bank building, a common childhood toy, rendered in a realistic manner. Klein's meticulous brushstrokes capture the texture of the metal and the intricate details of the building's facade, including the windows, door, and roof. This piece offers a glimpse into American culture and the importance of saving during the late 1930s. The painting's subject matter, the bank building, serves as a visual metaphor for financial security and responsibility, themes that were particularly relevant during the Great Depression era.