Accession Number
1935.25

Title
Sweatshop

Artist(s)
William Gropper

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1934

Medium & Support
lithograph on paper

Dimensions
9 5/8 in x 12 1/8 in (24.45 cm x 30.8 cm)

Credit Line
Museum Purchase

Subject matter
Sweatshop shows the possible labor conditions for garment workers in New York City in the 1930s. Gropper's work often focuses on the working conditions and jobs of the lower, blue collar classes. His aunt perished in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 and he grew up carrying his mother's piecework to various factories as well so the sweatshop was a familiar place to him. Gropper was considered a radical for his socialist leanings and he did many illustrations for socialist publications. 
 

Physical Description
In this print we look down on seven figures laboring in a workshop. There are a few sewing machines, one lamp hanging from the ceiling, and one window. All of the figures are sitting except for one man who is standing up and holding an armload of cloth or clothing.

Primary Object Classification
Print

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
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Keywords
interiors
modern and contemporary art
political art
sweatshops
textile workers