Witness" by Legendary William Gropper, 1968 Etching

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"Witness" 1968, Etching in two colors. Edition: 100. Signed in pencil, Gropper, lower right; signed in the plate (in reverse), … Read more "Witness" 1968, Etching in two colors. Edition: 100. Signed in pencil, Gropper, lower right; signed in the plate (in reverse), Gropper, lower left; numbered, 7/100, lower left; titled.

A celebrated illustrator, and social commentator, Gropper's artistic prowess shines brilliantly in this powerful artwork.

William Gropper’s parents were Jewish immigrants who worked in the sweatshops of New York City’s garment district. Their dignity in the face of hardship influenced their oldest son, who wrote that “I’m from the old school, defending the underdog.” (Klaidman, “William Gropper, 79, Painter and Radical Cartoonist Dies,” The Washington Post, January 9, 1977). As a teenager Gropper attended an experimental socialist school and took art courses with Robert Henri and George Bellows. Their respect for working people inspired Gropper to express his radical politics in cartoons. After winning several prizes for his drawings he took a job with the New York Tribune, but his bosses discovered his contributions to left-wing magazines and fired him. In 1937, Gropper had his first show and the New Yorker magazine described him as “one of the most accomplished, as well as one of the most significant artists of our generation.” During the “Red scare” of the postwar years, conservatives grew suspicious of his images lambasting the rich and powerful. Gropper was asked to appear before the McCarthy Senate permanent investigations subcommittee, where he took the Fifth Amendment. He was branded a Communist and saw several of his gallery shows cancelled. This experience did nothing to stop the artist from making satirical images about war, prejudice, greed, and exploitation into his late seventies.

Though many years had passed, Gropper, in 1968, when this etching was created, was still reflecting upon the McCarthy hearings. Gropper did two sets of etchings for the Associated American Artists, the first in 1965, and the second in 1968.

"Witness" stands as a testament to Gropper's keen ability to blend artistic brilliance with a profound sense of social consciousness. With each piece, Gropper captures the essence of human struggle and resilience. The composition draws viewers into a mesmerizing realm where emotion and expression converge, leaving an indelible mark on their souls.

This extraordinary artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the turbulent times in which it was created—a visual narration of human experiences amid societal upheaval. Gropper's unwavering commitment to shedding light on the human condition and amplifying the voices of the oppressed resonates strongly, urging viewers to confront the world's complexities with empathy and compassion.

As we stand witness to "Witness," we are invited to contemplate the shared journey of humanity, embracing both its beauty and its challenges. Gropper's artistry transcends mere aesthetics, offering a profound and transformative experience that leaves us inspired and introspective long after our gaze has left the canvas. Printmaker, painter and visual editorialist, William Gropper (1897-1977), spent six decades bearing witness. See less