Skyline c. 1939

Eleanor Coen’s lithograph "Skyline" (c. 1939) captures a unique perspective on the city. The artist’s masterful use of dark tones and chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and mystery. The viewer is invited to gaze into a shadowy alleyway, where the imposing presence of a tall building dominates the foreground. This building, possibly a tenement, reveals a small window and a doorway, hinting at life and activity inside. The viewer can see the top of the building as well, which is obscured by the dark, smoke-filled sky, giving a sense of the city's immensity. The hazy skyline behind the building suggests a cityscape, possibly New York City, where Coen lived and worked. This work is a powerful testament to Coen's skill as a printmaker and her keen observation of urban life.