Martin Lewis, Relics (Speakeasy Cormer), 1928

Martin Lewis, Relics (Speakeasy Corner)
drypoint, 1928
Philadelphia Museum of Art
(image source: Messy Nessy - Cabinet of Chic Curiosities)
no copyright infringement intended

From many other etchings made by Martin Lewis, for me this was the one. It got me hooked, like love at first sight. It has an irresistible Americana quality: a street corner somewhere like anywhere. It could be New York, as it could be Baltimore or Philly. It could be Chicago, as it could be Detroit or Milwaukee, I don't know. And actually any localization would be of no importance. A  quiet evening, just a few people hurrying home. A car that could be just passing, or could be stopped here on purpose. A small store like a deli or something, that could be actually the entrance to a hidden, illegal spot, like a speakeasy bar.  And the dude staying in front of the entrance, maybe to accept patrons who whisper the code word. The whole has some kind of a menacing presence. The prohibiton era has long gone, such street corners are still here and there.


(Martin Lewis)