The American Scene

Following the stock market crash of 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression, the early 20th century's long period of artistic innovation largely came to an end. The 1930s ushered in a more somber, realistic mode: themes drawn from everyday life reflected regional values and a new sense of social responsibility. Throughout the country, artists became interpreters of America. In New York, painters such as Walt Kuhn and Reginald Marsh portrayed the vitality of the city, depicting its diverse residents and chronicling their varied activities. Others, such as Paul Cadmus and Philip Evergood, combined realistic depiction with caricature and social critique, creating a style often referred to as Social Realism.