Analyzing Jonas Lie's 'Dusk on Lower Broadway'

The painting Dusk on Lower Broadway created by Jonas Lie in 1910 shows the famous Broadway in New York as a despair and dark place. Dusk on Lower Broadway shows substantial scenery that draws attention, demonstrates a dramatic contrast between light and shadow, and reflects the artist's life.

To begin, Dusk on Lower Broadway includes scenery that catches one's eye when analyzing the painting. The tall buildings clearly show that the painting is in New York. Certain details throughout the painting portray winter time. For example, the smoke coming from the top of the buildings, the trees with no leaves, and the people's clothing. The trees towards the front of the painting are bare of leaves, hinting at a wintertime setting. The crowd of people going farther into the city seem to be dressed in dark heavy clothing, also suggesting the wintertime. Each aspect of the painting contributes to the scenery that is eye catching. Furthermore, Dusk on Lower Broadway has two obvious color schemes that stand out. For instance, the tall buildings seem to all be in

At the beginning of his life Lie studied art among close friends and family and attended art schools in Europe, until 1893, when he joined his mother and sister in New York City after his father passed away (Gong). He continued to attend art and design classes, while his paintings started to become recognized. A few of his paintings were recognized in New York City at the Armory Show in 1913 (Afterglow). Although New York City may have reflected the joyful beginnings of his career, there may still be sadness located in the memory of it. In the event that, shortly after his father died he moved there to be with his mother and sister, in turn the city could be a reminder of this dark period in his life. In conclusion to this, Dusk on Lower Broadway could have been inspired by this period of grief in his