Glimpses Into Interiors

WPA artists appealed to the common man by depicting glimpses of everyday life.

These images take place indoors, offering a certain intimacy between the subject matter and the viewer. In these prints and photographs, the artists demonstrated their democratic vision through the depiction of common people performing their daily routines. John Vachon and Marion Post Wolcott’s photographs counter the work of New York-centric printmakers to expand and adjust their depictions of working-class life. All of these artists imbued their images with the notion that art is not a rare commodity but rather an integral part of everyday life for the masses to enjoy.

    Related Objects

    7 objects
    Child of Steel Worker. Ambridge, Pa. , 1941 , by John Vachon, 1914–1975; born Saint Paul, MN; died New York, NY; active Washington, D.C. , object number 1995-21
    Child of Steel Worker. Ambridge, Pa.

    Child of Steel Worker. Ambridge, Pa. ,

    John Vachon, 1914–1975; born Saint Paul, MN; died New York, NY; active Washington, D.C.

    1995-21

    Seaman's Mess , by Irwin Hoffman, 1901–1989; born Boston, MA; died New York, NY; active New York , object number x1941-29
    Seaman's Mess

    Seaman's Mess

    Irwin Hoffman, 1901–1989; born Boston, MA; died New York, NY; active New York

    x1941-29

    Making biscuits, cornhusking day, Tallyho, North Carolina , 1939, printed later , by Marion Post Wolcott, American, born 1910 , object number x1985-27
    Image Unavailable

    Making biscuits, cornhusking day, Tallyho, North Carolina ,

    Marion Post Wolcott, American, born 1910

    x1985-27