The Park 

Harold Altman created this etching, called "The Park," sometime in the late twentieth century. It evokes the Impressionist movement with its depiction of light and ordinary contemporary scenes, but it's also a commentary on the role of public space. Altman’s image presents the park as a social space. The composition emphasizes the park's accessibility to a variety of people. There is a formal element that should also be addressed. The blurring of lines and haziness gives the impression that public life is fleeting and transient. The park has, historically, been a place of social interaction and recreation. It has also served as a stage for protests. It is interesting to consider the different ways people interact and the possible relationship between these various functions. To fully understand Altman's artistic decisions, we would need to research the social and cultural circumstances in which he worked. The history of parks could reveal a lot about his statement.