Man + Machinery

Paul R. Meltsner, Amer., (1905-1966), Man + Machinery, Lithograph, ca. 1935, Ed. unknown, 12-1/2 x 9-7/8, loss to top right margin corner, a few discreet handling creases, signed, titled and annotated Coll. Brooklyn Museum in pencil, on cream wove RIVES BFK. A fine impression of this powerful composition by Meltsner, who also produced an easel painting of this same subject. Meltsner grew up in New York City, attended classes at the National Academy of Design, and during the depression years was employed by the WPA, producing both paintings and prints; notably a series of lithographs which extolled the heroic role of the American worker. His prints are held by many major American museums. Meltsner's empathetic portrayals of American laborers remain among the finest prints of the 1930's, capturing the true spirit of the age.