Reginald Marsh - Why Not Use the “L”? (1930)

Why Not Use the “L”?, 1930
"... In this work, Marsh captures a slice of the city that's now gone: riders on the elevated train. The train depicted appears to be the Third Avenue 'L' (or, sometimes, 'El'), but transportation aficionados should chime in if we are wrong about that. As in many of Marsh's paintings, there is a gauzy quality to the canvas, though a few things are in sharp focus. Above the sleeping man's head is a sign that gives the painting its title: 'The subway is fast, certainly. But the open-air elevated gets you there quickly, too! And with more comfort. Why not use the 'L'?'"
Inside the Apple
Saturday Art: Why Not Take The “L” by Reginald Marsh
WSJ: The City We Thought We Knew
NYT: Misery Loved a Good Night Out
amazon: Swing Time: Reginald Marsh and Thirties New York
Whitney (Audio)

2008 September: Reginald Marsh