Wonders of Our Time 1937

This lithograph, "Wonders of Our Time" made by Ida York Abelman, captures a dense crowd in a New York City subway car, a potent symbol of urban anxiety. Consider the motif of the crowd, a recurring theme throughout art history, often associated with chaos and anonymity, reaching back to ancient Roman depictions of mass gatherings. Abelman's composition echoes earlier artistic explorations of similar themes, notably found in the works of artists such as Daumier, who captured the disorienting energy of modern life. The frightened expression of the central figure, covering their mouth with their hand, is a gesture that reverberates across epochs, reminiscent of ancient depictions of fear. It evokes a primal, emotional response, tapping into our collective memory of vulnerability and unease. This visual language acts as a bridge connecting us to fundamental human experiences that transcend time and space.