Decayed Glory c. 1935 - 1943

"Decayed Glory" is a lithograph by American artist George Vander Sluis, created sometime between 1935 and 1943. This artwork is a powerful depiction of an urban scene, likely in the American Midwest, with smoke billowing from industrial factories. The focus of the image is on a decrepit wooden building with a "M & B EAT" sign, suggesting a fading business in a struggling neighborhood. Vander Sluis's use of charcoal emphasizes the grit and grime of the environment, creating a sense of social realism that was popular during the Depression era. The figures in the foreground, likely laborers, add a human element to the scene, further highlighting the hardships faced by many during this period.