Stroke 

Arthur Sarnoff painted "Stroke," depicting a golfer in full swing, attended by his caddy and observed by companions in a golf cart. Sarnoff, an American artist, thrived in a time when commercial art and illustration were at their peak, using his skills to capture scenes of everyday life, often imbued with humor and an aspirational quality. In mid-20th century America, golf was a leisure activity largely associated with wealth and white, male privilege. Sarnoff’s painting gently nods to this social reality. It's worth reflecting on how the composition reinforces societal norms, where certain spaces and activities were predominantly enjoyed by a specific demographic. The caddy, often a figure of color in this era, is literally and figuratively positioned to assist. Consider how Sarnoff’s piece both reflects and perhaps subtly reinforces the social architecture of his time. It invites us to consider the narratives we tell ourselves about leisure, access, and who gets to play.