AW944: Samuel Thal WPA Ashcan American Regionalist Industrial Oil on Canvas Painting

Samuel Thal (American 1903 -1964) WPA Ashcan American Regionalist Industrial Oil on Canvas Painting. Unsigned. Presented in a vintage period frame. Three boys tight rope walking train tracks skirting vacant industrial buildings

Dimensions: Sight 30" x 24"; Frame 38" x 32"

Comments: This painting focuses on a brick factory industrial complex with a tall chimney and various building. The subject matter is typical of the Ashcan School's interest in urban and industrial scenes. The style of the painting is characterized by a realistic but somewhat gritty and under idealized portrayal of the industrial environment. The color palette is dominated by earth tones, with reds and browns of the brick buildings contrasting with the grays and muted greens of the surrounding landscape a sky - very typical of the Ashcan School style. The composition of the painting is structured around the strong lines of the buildings and the railway tracks in the foreground which lead the viewer's eye into the seven. Figures of three boys are included - adding a sense of scale and human presence within the industrial setting. The brushwork appears to be loose and expressive, contributing to the painting's overall atmosphere. The use of light and shadow helps to define the forms and create depth with the scene.