Back Street c. 1935 - 1943

William Norman’s “Back Street” is a black and white lithograph depicting a shadowy, urban street scene. The viewer is looking down the street towards an industrial building in the distance. This piece was created during a time of great social and economic change in the United States. Norman’s use of dark tones and exaggerated forms evokes a sense of urban blight and social inequality. The lithograph is a testament to Norman’s skill in depicting the social and political realities of his time, and is a powerful reminder of the hardships faced by many Americans in the wake of the Great Depression.