Surreal San Francisco in a Mid-Century Signed Lithograph by Justin Murray (1912–1987)

Details

Description

This signed drawing, "Low Fog" by American artist Justin Murray (1912–1987), features a lone caricatured man smoking a pipe amid … Read more This signed drawing, "Low Fog" by American artist Justin Murray (1912–1987), features a lone caricatured man smoking a pipe amid rolling fog, with distant hills, buildings, and power lines adding to the whimsical isolation. Murray’s blend of surrealism and satire draws from his experiences in San Francisco during the late 1930s to 1950s, where he became known for humorous depictions of urban life in publications like The San Francisco Chronicle and Coast magazine. His art often highlights San Francisco’s cable cars and neighborhoods, with works typically signed in pencil and marked with a "JM" monogram. Educated at Chouinard School of Art and involved with the WPA, Murray moved to San Francisco in 1938, where he was a prolific painter, printmaker, and cartoonist known for his satirical drawings of San Francisco life. His work frequently appeared in major publications like The San Francisco Chronicle and Coast magazine, achieving special recognition for his satirical series "Birds of Our Time." His work is included in collections such as the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the Library of Congress, and the Oakland Museum.
Signature/Maker’s mark: Signed bottom right (photo #5). Unframed dimensions: See less