Wis. Ave. Viaduct 1932

Schomer Lichtner created this woodcut, Wis. Ave. Viaduct, using stark black-and-white contrast to depict a Milwaukee landmark. The image encapsulates a moment of industrial dynamism, with a train steaming under an arched viaduct, set against an urban backdrop. The absence of people emphasizes the dominance of industry and infrastructure during this period. Consider the societal context in which this image was made, likely during the early to mid-20th century, when industrialization was transforming urban landscapes. The viaduct symbolizes progress, connecting communities and facilitating commerce. Yet the starkness of the print also suggests a commentary on the environmental and social impacts of unchecked industrial growth. Historical archives, city planning documents, and social surveys of the period will reveal a great deal about the Wisconsin Ave Viaduct. This image, therefore, becomes a document that invites us to look closely at our relationship with technology and the built environment.