“Casey and Mae in the Street,” a poignant artwork by Archibald Motley, crafted in 1948, exhibits all the hallmarks of Art Deco movement encapsulated within the genre painting medium. Employing oil on canvas, Motley masterfully captures a vivacious street scene enriched with social commentary through bustling activity and vibrant characters.
The artwork illustrates a busy urban street during the evening, alive with various individuals engaged in different activities, lending a narrative quality to the scene. The figures are arrayed in varied postures and interactions, contributing to a sense of dynamism and realism. Motley employs an array of cool and muted colors juxtaposed with occasional warm highlights to foster a nocturnal ambiance. Buildings with illuminated windows, a barber shop, a streetlight, and a tram create the backdrop, indicating the industrious and social nature of the setting. The artist’s use of geometric forms and stylized representation imbues the piece with an air of modernity and sophistication intrinsic to the Art Deco style.
