"One Third of a Nation"

"One Third of a Nation" is a painting created by O. Louis Guglielmi in 1939. The work is a significant example of American Social Realism, reflecting the socio-economic challenges of the Great Depression. It depicts a stark urban landscape with figures representing the struggles of the working class. The title references a phrase used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, highlighting the plight of those living in poverty. Guglielmi's use of bold colors and dynamic composition emphasizes the urgency of social issues. The painting is part of the collection at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Specific details about its exhibition history or critical reception are not widely documented.

"One Third of a Nation" by O. Louis Guglielmi, created in 1939, is an oil and tempera painting on Masonite that depicts a stark and somber urban landscape. The composition features a group of figures, rendered in a stylized manner, who are positioned in the foreground against a backdrop of dilapidated buildings and a desolate environment. The color palette is dominated by muted tones, with shades of gray, brown, and ochre, contributing to the overall sense of despair and hardship. The figures exhibit a range of expressions, reflecting a collective sense of struggle and resilience. Guglielmi's use of geometric forms and sharp lines enhances the sense of tension within the scene. The painting serves as a commentary on social issues, particularly the impact of the Great Depression on American society. The work is characterized by its dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, which further emphasize the emotional weight of the subject matter. The overall effect is one of urgency and poignancy, inviting viewers to reflect on the conditions depicted.