“Pool Parlor,” created by Jacob Lawrence in 1942, is a genre painting found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US. The artwork is a vivid depiction of a pool hall, illustrating the dynamic and lively atmosphere of such a setting.
The artwork showcases an interior view of a pool hall where several individuals are engaged in the game of billiards. The figures are energetically depicted, each absorbed in their own game, with a variety of stances and gestures conveying movement and concentration. The green pool tables, with their distinct overhead lighting, dominate the composition, guiding the viewer’s eye across the scene. The players’ clothing is rendered in bold colors, contributing to the overall vibrancy of the piece. Lawrence’s use of strong lines and dramatic contrasts emphasizes the shapes and forms against the dark background, creating a rhythmic and almost musical visual experience. The piece effectively captures a slice of urban life, filled with action, tension, and recreation.
