Solitude c. 1950

"Solitude," a 1950 lithograph by Juliette Steele (1909-1980), depicts a solitary figure seated on a set of stairs, with an arched doorway and a bare tree in the background. The starkness of the image and the figure's isolation evoke a sense of loneliness and introspective contemplation. The artist's use of cross-hatching and shading adds depth and texture to the composition, creating a sense of realism. "Solitude" showcases Steele's mastery of black-and-white lithograph, a technique that she employed to create nuanced and expressive works throughout her career.