Lincoln Square c. 1935 - 1943

Editor: This is "Lincoln Square," an etching by Max Mougel, created sometime between 1935 and 1943. It’s a fascinating cityscape… a little gritty and melancholic, capturing an urban intersection dominated by elevated train tracks. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The immediate image is one of ascension. Notice the prevalence of vertical lines – the tall buildings, the stairs leading upwards to the elevated train. But there's a feeling of imposed progress here. How do the sharp angles and stark lines affect you? Editor: They definitely create a sense of harshness. I also noticed how the Coca-Cola ad looms so large – is it intended as a commentary on commercialism of the time? Curator: Potentially, yes. Advertisements often function as cultural barometers. Here, it might suggest the relentless encroachment of consumer culture into the urban fabric. Consider the visual weight given to it versus the people below. Does that relationship spark anything for you? Editor: It does. It almost feels dehumanizing, like people are just tiny elements within this vast, commercial landscape. What’s also interesting is the way he renders the sky. It looks so unsettled! Curator: Precisely. The artist captures an atmosphere of tension or unease, using the sky as a symbolic counterpoint to the rigid geometry of the city. How do the buildings contrast against organic forms, such as figures, cars, and foliage? What happens when humans insert themselves in nature and against one another? Editor: So, it's about more than just a place – it's also capturing the psychological weight of modern urban life during that era? Curator: Exactly. Through a potent blend of symbolism and acute observation, Mougel offers a layered commentary on urban life during a transformative time. We might also look into art and consumerism through the art of Pop artists from the latter 20th Century such as Andy Warhol. Editor: That's a lot to consider – thank you! This has given me a completely different perspective on how to view and understand cityscapes. Curator: The city as a cultural carrier. I trust this exploration can enlighten how places form narratives in visual cultures and iconography!