Oil c. 1920s

"Oil" is a black and white etching by American artist Frederick Monhoff, created in the 1920s. The print depicts a scene of numerous oil derricks, their skeletal structures filling the foreground and background. The central focus is a group of figures standing in front of the derricks, emphasizing the human element in this industrial landscape. Monhoff's etching captures the stark beauty of the oil fields, showcasing the complex machinery and the hard work of the people involved in this essential industry. The artist was known for his industrial and urban scenes, often using etching as a medium to convey the gritty realities of modern life.