City Playground

Anchel’s lithograph is a perceptive depiction of an urban recreational space, which has numerous activities occurring around its focal point that create a dynamic of movement and energy. In the distance, tall buildings provide the backdrop for a playground constructed under elevated train tracks; a similarly curving fence encloses it. In the foreground, metal supports of a swing set contain most of the figures within a triangular frame, except for a girl in another triangle. The three closest children are in the midst of physical actions; two others observe them from the shadowy background. At first it might look like “playing games,” except that the larger boy running toward the swing seems to alarm the younger children—perhaps he means to take it for himself. Anchel’s print creates a momentary stage that organizes its meaning based on where individuals are located: in a city, there are almost always spectators and small dramas, even among children.

12 images at GSA.

Anchel, Harold (1912-1980)

Harris, Ariana (description and biography)

Helquist, Morgan (photography)

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Lithograph on paper

Image: 10.5 x 12.5 in
Framed: 15 x 18 in