WPA Art Collection -- Illinois State Museum

ISM System :WPA Art Collection

Paintings

Smoke Stack
Joseph Stella (1877 - 1946)
oil on canvas, circa 1935
37 1/4 x 35 1/4 inches

Joseph Stella was born in Italy and imimgrated to New York at the age of nineteen. He studied medicine, but became an illustrator after attending the Art Students League. He was interested in immigrant life and the impact of industry on people's lives. He studied for three years in Europe, developing a Modernist style. His Futurist work was shown at the 1913 Armory Show and made his international fame as a Modernist. He traveled in Europe again from 1927 to 1934. On his return, he worked for the New York City WPA easel program.

Smoke Stack is an example of his industrial subject matter. The huge structures dominate the city landscape.

Collection of the Illinois State Museum
photograph by Gary Andrashko
ISM Accession #: 1943.16/910.10

<i>Smoke Stack</i><br>Joseph Stella (1877 - 1946)

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