Early Morning c. 1937

This is Nan Lurie’s lithograph, "Early Morning," created sometime in the mid-20th century. Lurie was working at a time when women artists often navigated a patriarchal art world. "Early Morning" offers us a glimpse into the raw, interior world of a woman's experience. The lithographic technique lends itself to the swirling, almost turbulent depiction of emotion. We see a figure, perhaps in labor or distress, juxtaposed with an almost monstrous face looming above. This contrast brings to mind both the physical and psychological challenges women face. The ambiguity allows the work to resonate with a broader range of experiences, suggesting the pain and vulnerability inherent in the human condition. Lurie seems to be resisting traditional representations of women, presenting us instead with a visceral, honest portrayal. The expressive lines evoke a sense of empathy, inviting us to confront uncomfortable truths about gendered expectations.