Robert Gwathmey 1944

This 1944 lithograph by Harry Sternberg, titled "Robert Gwathmey," depicts a poignant scene of social commentary. The artwork, a stark and graphic image, features a man standing in front of a billboard with the year "1944" visible. The man is positioned behind barbed wire, a symbol of confinement and separation, with the silhouette of two figures, likely African Americans, partly visible in the background. This juxtaposition of figures, along with the symbolic barbed wire, highlights themes of segregation and social inequality, bringing to the forefront the social challenges of that era. The artwork's vibrant colors and graphic style contribute to its impact, solidifying its place as a powerful example of Social Realism.