Artwork

Streets and Fares of Berlin: Under the Linden Trees

Streets and Fares of Berlin: Under the Linden Trees, by Charles Laborde, 1930
Streets and Fares of Berlin: Under the Linden Trees, by Charles Laborde, 1930

Streets and Fares of Berlin: Under the Linden Trees is a print by Charles Laborde. It dates from 1930 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Streets and Fares of Berlin: Under the Linden Trees is a 1930 print by Charles Laborde, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a vibrant, chaotic street scene in Berlin, conveying the energy of urban life through depictions of pedestrians, shoppers, and passersby amidst commercial establishments.

Technique & Style

Characterized by quick, sketchy figures and loose, hurried lines, the work employs a dynamic, spontaneous technique to evoke a sense of movement and immediacy, with a predominantly gray and white palette punctuated by a bright red balloon.

History & Provenance

Created in 1930 by Charles Laborde, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

Reflecting the bustling urban landscape of interwar Berlin, the work incorporates recognizable brand names (e.g., Mercedes-Benz) and everyday elements (umbrellas, bags) to ground the scene in its time and place.

Legacy

As part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, it contributes to the institution's holdings of early 20th-century urban-themed artworks, offering insights into the artistic interpretation of metropolitan life during that era.

Artist & collection

Artist

Charles Laborde

Charles Laborde (1886–1941) was a French artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.