The Brownstones Go! 1939

William Parker Abbe's 1939 woodcut, "The Brownstones Go!", depicts the demolition of a row of brownstone houses in New York City, a stark contrast to the towering skyscraper looming in the background. This print, created during the era of the Great Depression, captures the stark reality of urban renewal and the changing skyline of the city, reflecting the anxieties of a society grappling with economic uncertainty and the rapid modernization of American cities. The artist's use of bold lines and dramatic contrasts creates a powerful visual narrative, capturing the spirit of this momentous transition in the city's history.