The Skyscrapers

Bernard F. McMahon

The fruits of the PWAP were exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery in 1934. The Roosevelt family attended the exhibition, and Eleanor personally choose a number of paintings to purchase. “The Skyscapers,” one of the paintings chosen by Mrs. Roosevelt, depicts the sense of vertigo in urban architecture in the early 20th century. McMahon’s emphasis on verticality and the depersonalization of the landscape suggests a mixed message of fear, admiration, and intrigue within the urban imaginary.

New Deal arts programs

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum

1933-1934

ink and pastel on paper

mixed media

print on paper

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum