The Grand Windsor Lobby 1936

Eli Jacobi made this wood engraving, titled "The Grand Windsor Lobby," using carving tools to cut an image into a block of wood, covering it with ink and pressing it onto paper. I can imagine Jacobi carefully carving out the areas to remain white, leaving the raised areas to form the composition of the image, which depicts a group of men in the lobby of a building. The lines, all running in the same direction, give a sense of depth, texture, and movement. The light and shadow play across the figures and architecture, creating a sense of atmosphere. I wonder what Jacobi was thinking and feeling as he was creating this piece and how he wanted to tell a story about the men and their surroundings.