“View of the World from 9th Avenue,” created by Saul Steinberg in 1976, belongs to the art movement known as Expressionism and is classified within the genre of cityscape. The artwork presents a unique and imaginative interpretation of New York City’s 9th Avenue, as perceived from the artist’s perspective.
The artwork showcases 9th Avenue in the foreground, featuring detailed depictions of buildings and bustling street activity. Notable landmarks and architectural details are captured in a semi-abstract and whimsical manner. As the view extends into the distance, the artist employs a minimalist portrayal of the Hudson River, New Jersey, and various geographical regions further afield. In the far background, simplified representations of the rest of the United States, the Pacific Ocean, and parts of Asia such as China and Japan, create a sense of expansiveness and humor. This perspective humorously exaggerates the prominence of New York City while diminishing the scale of the rest of the world. Steinberg’s use of sharp lines, muted colors, and playful figures conveys a distinctive and compelling vision that is both expressive and thought-provoking.
