Untitled #5 [Reader]

These life-like portraits of longshoremen reflect the seriousness of purpose Pele deLappe brought to her task of documenting the union rank and file. The men too seem to have the sense the project had historic weight. This worker, possibly Scandinavian, could have gone home to change before coming to sit for the portrait. His vest, blue tie, and well combed hair contrast with the tattoos revealed by his rolled up sleeves. We wonder what he is reading.

Pele deLappe, watercolor and charcoal, 1935.

See this image in the Art from the Waterfront exhibit