Melstner, Paul R., Amer., (1905-1966), INDUSTRIAL INTERLUDE. Lithograph, ca. 1935, Ed. size not known, 11 5/8 x 10 1/4 inches (image), 15 3/4 x 11 1/4 inches (sheet),Signed, titled and annotated "Coll. Boston Museum Brooklyn Museum" in pencil. Printed on cream wove RIVES BFK. There is a tear at the top center, extending from the top edge into the image about 3/8 inch, with old scotch tape in the margin, but not on the image, and a 1/2 x 3/4 inch loss at the lower edge center with a tear which does not extend into the image. All that noted, this is a fine impression of a powerful urban industrial subject from the years of the Great Depression. It is priced to reflect the condition issuesMeltsner grew up in New York City, attended classes at the National Academy of Design, and during the depression years was employed by the WPA, producing both paintings and prints; notably a series of lithographs which extolled the heroic role of the American worker. His prints are held by many major American museums. Meltsner's empathetic portrayals of American laborers remain among the finest prints of the 1930's, capturing the true spirit of the age.
