Shoeshining 1936

Hyman William Katz's 1936 etching "Shoeshining" depicts a scene of everyday life in an urban setting. The print shows four figures on a city street, with a clock tower and other buildings visible in the background. The scene portrays a shoeshine stand, capturing the work of the shoe shiner and the customers waiting patiently. The artist, born in 1898 and died in 1988, was known for his depictions of urban life and working-class people. The use of line and shadow in the etching contributes to its atmospheric realism. This print highlights the social and economic realities of the city in the 1930s, offering a glimpse into daily life during that period.