The Deacon's Shay 1946

"The Deacon's Shay" is a 1946 lithograph by American artist Juliette Steele (1909-1980). The artwork is a striking example of abstract expressionism, employing a stark black and white palette to create a sense of depth and movement. The composition is dominated by a large, dark shape that appears to be a box or a building, with other shapes and lines swirling around it. These fragmented forms create a sense of unease and tension, characteristic of Steele's work. The lithograph's title suggests a connection to a more traditional subject, but the abstract rendering invites the viewer to interpret the imagery on a personal level.