The Landlord

New Masses, April 2, 1935

William Gropper

In this print, William Gropper illustrates a scene of economic exploitation. A rotund landlord stands in a tenement as he confronts a working class tenant. The woman’s poor living conditions are apparent in the background of the cramped quarters. She appears disheveled and crying, pleading with the landlord. Suggesting the stakes of the situation, the artist includes a child sleeping in the bed behind her. In stark contrast, the wealthy landlord wears fine clothing as he glares down at his tenant. The merciless landlord, who cares little about the woman and child, is symbolic of the cruel gluttony of capitalism.

Madeline Stradal