Julia Eckel
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(1907 – 1988)
Eckel was born and died in Washington D.C. Her most active time as an artist was during the Great Depression when she was working under President Franklin D. Roosevelt\’s Public Works of Art Project. The program lasted for about 6 months between December 1933 and June 1934 and was part of Roosevelt\’s famous New Deal aimed at getting out of work artists creating art once again. The work made as part of this program captured what life was like during the Great Depression, particularly the solidarity and struggle of the American people.
![](https://www.1000museums.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/18821-300x216.jpg "<div>During the 1930's, radios became commonly found in homes, as singers, comedians, and actors transmitted their voices over the airwaves alongside news broadcasters and President Franklin D. Roosevelt himself during his famous "fireside chats." In this painting, Eckel depicts a group gathered around a microphone ready to perform for the nation, bringing people together during the hardships of the Great Depression. Eckel uses a strong, single source of light coming from the right to illuminate each of the figures, but none moreso than the man and woman in the center of the composition, presumably the stars of whatever radio show is about to begin. <br />SKU: 9179<br />Creator: Julia Eckel<br />Date: 1933-1934<br />Original Medium: Oil on canvas<br />Original Size: 40 1/8 x 55 5/8 inches<br />Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum</div>")