The artwork “Extra Paper State Street Scene” by Archibald Motley, dated 1946, embodies the Art Deco movement and belongs to the genre painting category. This visual composition captures a bustling street scene with a palpable sense of liveliness and movement.
Describing the artwork, we see a vibrant and colorful street scene depicting a variety of figures engaged in different activities. The perspective is from street level, looking onto a busy sidewalk. In the foreground, a smartly dressed man in a beige suit is exchanging what looks like a newspaper with an older man wearing a darker suit and hat. The younger man’s attention seems divided, possibly by the lively surrounding environment or some interaction with the elder gentleman. Nearby, a policeman in a striking blue uniform is carrying a stack of newspapers, emphasizing the piece’s title.
Around these key figures, we can see other individuals, including elegantly dressed women and men in suits, highlighting the fashion and social dynamics of the 1940s. There’s a trolley in the background, indicating an urban setting where public transport is available. On the trolley, advertisements contribute to the sense of a bustling cityscape. A newsstand and storefronts complete the urban feel, with signage indicating a location on State Street, which suggests this scene may be set in a major American city such as Chicago or New York where such a street name commonly occurs. The use of vivid colors and a dynamic composition characteristic of the Art Deco style brings energy and a sense of rhythm to the scene. Overall, the painting captures a moment in time with a rich narrative quality, inviting viewers to imagine the stories unfolding within this urban setting.
