27 October 1949 1949

Frank Lobdell painted "27 October 1949" at a time when the institutions of American art were gaining international recognition. The Museum of Modern Art in New York was showcasing abstract expressionism as the epitome of artistic freedom. Lobdell's painting, with its fragmented forms and bold colors, certainly fits within this broad movement. Yet, it hints at the ways that artists of this period negotiated their relationship to a culture dominated by Cold War anxieties. The rough-hewn blocks of color seem to be fighting for space on the canvas, conveying a sense of barely contained tension. Perhaps this was a reflection on the political climate? As historians, we need to look at sources such as exhibition catalogs and critical reviews to understand how Lobdell's contemporaries interpreted his work. Only then can we develop a richer understanding of the painting's meaning.