Study for "The City from Greenwich Village," III c. 1922

John Sloan created this red chalk study on paper, titled "Study for 'The City from Greenwich Village,' III." Sloan, a member of the Ashcan School, captured the everyday life of New York City's working class in the early 20th century. As we observe the elevated train lines and towering buildings, consider the rapid urbanization reshaping the social landscape of the time. Sloan, along with other Ashcan artists, challenged the art world's focus on idealized subjects by depicting the gritty realities of urban existence. This sketch offers a glimpse into Greenwich Village, a neighborhood known for its bohemian culture and diverse population. Imagine the bustling streets below, filled with immigrants, artists, and laborers, each contributing to the city's vibrant tapestry. Sloan sought to portray the lives of ordinary people, capturing their struggles and triumphs in a rapidly changing world. As Sloan himself put it, "Art is the ability to feel, and to express that feeling." Consider how Sloan's work reflects both the allure and the alienation of modern urban life.