City on Fire c. 1978

James Grashow created this image, "City on Fire," using woodcut. This print shows a cityscape consumed by flames, evoking feelings of chaos and destruction. Made in the late twentieth century, we see a bridge reminiscent of the Brooklyn Bridge, which adds a layer of historical depth while perhaps critiquing urban life. The technique, woodcut, is significant. Woodcut is an older, more laborious technique than some other printmaking methods, lending the image a connection to the past and perhaps to the tradition of social commentary through printmaking. We might also consider the apocalyptic imagery in relation to contemporary fears around environmental catastrophe. As historians, we examine not only the artwork itself but also the social and political context in which it was created. Analyzing period publications, artists' statements, and critical reviews, helps us understand the complex dialogue between the artist, the artwork, and society. We start to see the role of art as something deeply embedded within the fabric of its time.