Untitled (City by Day) c. 1930

This black and white print of a city scene was made by H. Paulson Legg, though when exactly, we don't know. The whole image is built up from simple marks and shapes that fit together like a puzzle, making the city feel both real and a little dreamlike. I’m drawn to the way Legg uses black and white to create depth. Look at how the solid black shapes at the bottom contrast with the intricate lines of the buildings, that create a push and pull feeling of near and far. The long, thin lines reaching out from behind the buildings – are they sun rays, or something else? It’s hard to say for sure, and that’s what makes it interesting. They create a sense of movement, making the static buildings feel alive. This piece reminds me a little of the early 20th-century printmaker, Rockwell Kent, known for his bold, graphic style and his exploration of American themes. Like Kent, Legg captures the spirit of a place through a unique and personal lens. And like all good art, it leaves you with more questions than answers, which is how it should be, right?