True Grit - American Prints from 1900 to 1950

In the first half of the 20th century, a group of American artists rejected academic fine art and polite society, embracing the democratic inclusiveness of the Progressive movement. They turned to making prints, which featured the bustling activity and stark realities of urban centers. Their prints addressed modern life in America, with subjects such as skyscrapers, city streets, dance halls, and tenement interiors. True Grit examines a selection of prints by well-known and lesser-known artists, contextualizing them in the rapidly changing milieu of 1900s America.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2019
Publisher: Getty Trust Publications

In the early 20th century, a group of American artists emerged, driven by the influence of painter and educator Robert Henri. Their goal was to break free from the constraints of academic fine art and polite society, embracing the democratic inclusivity of the Progressive movement. These artists turned their attention to printmaking, a relatively affordable and widely accessible medium. Their subjects were drawn from the bustling urban landscapes they inhabited and worked in, capturing the raw realities of city life. Their prints featured towering skyscrapers, crowded streets, lively dance halls, and desolate tenement interiors—intimate and anonymous scenes that portrayed modern American life.

"True Grit" showcases a diverse collection of prints by renowned artists such as George Bellows, Edward Hopper, Joseph Pennell, and John Sloan, as well as lesser-known figures like Ida Abelman, Peggy Bacon, Miguel Covarrubias, and Mabel Dwight. Written by three scholars of printmaking and American art, the essays in this book offer nuanced discussions of gender, class, literature, and politics, providing a historical context for the prints in the rapidly changing milieu of the early 20th-century America.

The artists of this movement sought to challenge the traditional hierarchies and conventions of art, embracing a more democratic and accessible approach. They aimed to reach a broader audience and engage with the concerns of everyday people, using their art to reflect the social and cultural transformations of their time. Their prints not only captured the visual essence of the cities they inhabited but also shed light on the lives and experiences of the working class and marginalized communities.

Through their prints, these artists contributed to the development of modern American art and left a lasting impact on the art world. Their rejection of traditional norms and their commitment to social justice and equality continue to inspire artists and activists today. "True Grit" serves as a valuable resource for scholars and art enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the rich and complex world of printmaking and American art during the early 20th century.

Weight: 882g
Dimension: 263 x 262 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781606066270