Illinois Coal Mine c. 1950 - 1952

Paul Feldhaus created this color linocut, titled "Illinois Coal Mine," sometime in the mid to late 20th century. It presents a complex, abstracted view of the architecture associated with coal mining. The imagery of the mine is constructed through geometric forms and a muted palette of purples, pinks, and grays, rendering a scene that is both industrial and strangely delicate. Feldhaus, who studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, was likely influenced by the Precisionist movement, which found beauty in industrial landscapes. It's worth considering the social context of this work. Coal mining in Illinois has a long and fraught history, marked by labor disputes and environmental concerns. Feldhaus's print may be seen as a commentary on the changing nature of work, the impact of industry on the landscape, and the socio-economic realities of coal-mining communities. To fully understand this print, one might research the history of coal mining in Illinois, the Precisionist movement in American art, and the artist’s biography. Through these lines of inquiry, we can come to a richer and more nuanced understanding of this image.