Art Analysis: The Library By Jacob Lawrence

The Library by Jacob Lawrence was created with tempera painted on to fiber board. The fiber board provided a rich engrained base throughout the image. The asymmetry gives the painting a more realistic feel. The block form with in this painting is a signature style of Lawrence’s. This piece demonstrates the 135st library in Harlem. It displays members of his community engrossed in books and absorbing knowledge. This picture conveys pride of heritage and of the culture of his neighborhood. This work was created during the African American arts movement in 1960’s Harlem. This is a juxtaposition of the social and economic landscape oh Harlem at that time. The living conditions, crime rate and the economy of Harlem were incredulous during that