Mexican Worker 1938

William Jacobs created this woodcut print, titled "Mexican Worker," in 1938. The piece emerges from a period marked by the Great Depression and heightened anxieties about labor and immigration in the United States. Jacobs portrays a man with a wide-brimmed hat and a stoic expression. The figure is set against an industrial backdrop. His gaze seems to reflect both the promise and the hardship of the working class. The use of stark black and white emphasizes the dignity and resilience of the worker, while also hinting at the racial and economic tensions of the time. During this era, Mexican workers often faced discrimination. Jacobs’ representation invites reflection on the contributions and struggles of this community. This print creates a space to consider the complex dynamics of identity, labor, and representation.