Back Streets 1937

Blanche Grambs made this print, called Back Streets, using etching. The stark image encourages us to consider the role of the artist in representing working-class communities in twentieth-century America. We might ask, what kind of social commentary is being made here? Is it romantic, critical, or something else? The dark, looming buildings and sparse landscape create a sense of isolation. But what kind of isolation are we talking about? Is it economic, social, or simply a product of urbanization? Looking at the artist's biography, the history of printmaking, and urban planning documents from the time can provide additional context for interpreting this work. Ultimately, the meaning of this etching lies in the intersection of its visual elements and the socio-historical context in which it was created.