Downtown c. 1935 - 1943

Angela Straeter made this print, Downtown, using lithography. Isn't it amazing how a simple palette of black and white can create such a layered and evocative scene? The textures here are everything. Look at how Straeter renders the weight of the Brooklyn Bridge against the delicate lines of the skyline. The composition has a beautiful contrast between the solid, geometric shapes of the architecture and the more organic forms of the workers. There is a real attention to surface, you can almost feel the gritty texture of the city streets. I particularly love the way Straeter uses light and shadow to create depth. The dark underbelly of the bridge really contrasts with the bright buildings in the background. It's as if the city is emerging from the shadows, slowly revealing itself. It reminds me a little of Lyonel Feininger's architectural prints, though perhaps more grounded in its realism. It reminds us that art is a conversation, always building on what came before, each artist adding their voice to the mix.