Southern Railway 1940

"Southern Railway" is a 1940 lithograph by American artist Ernest J. Hopf, depicting a scene of railroad construction with laborers working on the tracks. The image is composed in a realistic style and showcases Hopf's adeptness at depicting detailed scenes of everyday labor. The use of strong chiaroscuro, with deep shadows and bright highlights, creates a sense of depth and realism, effectively conveying the scene's gritty, industrial setting. The lithograph provides a glimpse into the working conditions of railroad construction in the early 20th century, highlighting the physical labor involved.