Bicycle Race c. 1935 - 1943

Elizabeth Olds created this lithograph, "Bicycle Race," during the 1930s in the United States. Olds was committed to making art accessible to a wide audience, reflecting the leftist politics of the time. Her choice of subject matter is telling; bicycle racing was a popular working-class sport. The composition emphasizes speed and dynamism, but also the collective nature of the race. Olds also included a diverse audience, suggesting the accessibility of the sport across social lines. The figures are not individualized, rather they are archetypes. Olds was deeply involved in the American Artists' Congress, an organization that advocated for the role of art in social change. She aimed to democratize art by making it affordable and relevant to everyday life. To fully appreciate Olds’ work, it’s important to consider the social and political context of the 1930s. Historical archives, newspapers, and the artist's biography can provide a richer understanding of her artistic choices and her commitment to social justice.