Men Working 1933

Lois Wilcox created 'Men Working' using lithography, a printmaking process where an image is drawn on a flat stone or metal plate and then printed. The work's appearance is influenced by the inherent qualities of the lithographic process, like the smooth, almost velvety texture achieved through the careful application of ink. The absence of strong colors focuses attention on form and shadow, emphasizing the workers' physical exertion. The artist has engaged with the skilled traditions of lithography to imbue the artwork with social significance. This print belongs to a wider history of social realism. The amount of work involved in the production process mirrors the labor depicted. Wilcox challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, highlighting the dignity of labor and the social context in which it occurs.