W.P.A. Leaners on Shovels 1938

"W.P.A. Leaners on Shovels," a 1938 lithograph by Bernece Berkman-Hunter, depicts a scene of manual labor during the Great Depression. The artwork likely references the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the economic hardship that prompted the program. Three figures are shown, two leaning on shovels and one standing nearby, all rendered with a stark and realistic style. The composition's emphasis on the figures' postures and the shovels they hold suggests the grueling nature of their work. The dark tonal values and simplified forms further contribute to the somber and melancholic mood of the artwork. This piece provides insight into the social realities of the Depression era and the challenges faced by those who were seeking work.