Refugee Family c. 1939

"Refugee Family" is a black and white woodcut by Samuel Greenburg created in 1939, depicting a family huddled together in the midst of hardship. The stark contrast of black and white, along with the bold, expressive lines of the woodcut, emphasizes the emotional weight of the subject matter. The artist's use of strong diagonals and a sense of claustrophobia suggests a feeling of displacement and anxiety. The print is part of a series of works by Greenburg that address the plight of refugees during World War II. This is a powerful example of social realism, where the artist uses their skills to illuminate social issues, engaging viewers in critical reflection on the human condition.