The artwork, titled “At the Wall,” was created by Martin Lewis in 1949. It presents a nocturnal urban scene where three individuals are depicted standing adjacent to a wall, engaged in what appears to be a conversation. The setting is characterized by deep contrasts between light and shadow, a testament to Lewis’s masterful handling of chiaroscuro. The street they are on appears deserted except for the trio, while a faint glow from street lamps can be observed in the background, casting a subdued illumination over the area.
It portrays a quiet, potentially introspective moment frozen in time, with the figures positioned near a large, imposing wall that stretches into the depth of the composition. The sidewalk and surrounding environment are rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing cracks in the pavement and the texture of the wall. The distant background includes elements such as trees and parked cars, which contribute to the overall calm and somewhat solitary atmosphere of the scene.
