Untitled (Miners) c. 1935 - 1943

Beatrice Mandelman made this untitled image of miners sometime in the 20th century, using lithographic crayon on paper. What's cool is the way she’s working darkness and light, a real chiaroscuro, which brings a moody, almost theatrical feel to the space. The surface is alive, with all the textures and tonal graduations that the lithographic crayon allows. Look at the way Mandelman captures the light sources on the miners’ helmets, beaming and reflecting around them in such a confined space. It's not just about depicting a scene; it's about the act of seeing itself, the way light shapes our perception. The marks feel almost sculptural, as if she's carving the image out of the darkness. There's a kinship to be found with someone like Jacob Lawrence. Both were interested in portraying the lives of working people, and imbuing a scene with dignity and humanity. This piece, like all good art, leaves plenty of room for interpretation, doesn’t it?