People We Pass

This painting by Edward Penfield, titled "People We Pass," captures a snapshot of urban life, presenting a variety of individuals who one might encounter on the bustling streets of a city like New York. The artwork is a vibrant illustration, likely created as a cover for a book which narrates "Stories of Life among the Masses of New York City" by Julian Ralph.The painting features a group of six people, each depicted in a distinct style, showcasing varied fashion of the era. The figures are shown in mid-stride, suggesting movement and the bustling energy commonly associated with city life. The characters are tightly framed and overlap with one another, emphasizing the closeness of urban interaction and the diverseness of the crowd.In the foreground to the right, a striking woman in a bright red dress and matching hat stands out, engaging the viewer's eye first. She appears to be talking to a child, though the upper part of the child is not visible, leading the focus more to their interaction and less to their complete forms. The adults surrounding them wear attires that suggest different social backgrounds and personalities, from the man in a plaid coat to the ladies in stylish hats and the gentleman in a bowler hat.This painting employs bold colors and simplified forms, characteristic of Edward Penfield’s style, which aligns with the Art Nouveau movement and early 20th-century poster art aesthetics.