The artwork titled “Forgotten Man,” painted by Jon McNaughton in 2010, is an oil painting that belongs to the Social Realism and Kitsch art movements. This symbolic painting, rendered as a caricature, measures 25.4 x 38.1 cm. The artwork portrays a seated, despondent young man on a bench, surrounded by a group of historical figures, many of whom appear to be former U.S. Presidents. The scene is set against the backdrop of the White House, with various political and historical figures gesturing towards the young man.
Within this composition, the artist vividly captures a sense of neglect and abandonment felt by the central figure, who seemingly represents the average citizen, or ‘forgotten man,’ amidst a cacophony of prominent personalities from different eras of American history. Scattered bills and papers lie on the ground, emphasizing themes of economic distress and societal disregard. The historical figures’ varying expressions and gestures suggest a spectrum of reactions, ranging from concern to indifference, thus adding layers to the painting’s social commentary.
