Artwork
The Elevated Railroad at 110th Street
The Elevated Railroad at 110th Street is an ink print by Rachael Robinson Elmer. It dates from 1914 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A steel bridge arches across the upper portion of the image, while a modest stairwell gathers a small group of figures amid a setting of trees and shrubbery.
Rachael Robinson Elmer’s 1914 offset lithograph, The Elevated Railroad at 110th Street, captures a quiet corner of New York City. A steel bridge arches across the upper portion of the image, while a modest stairwell gathers a small group of figures amid a setting of trees and shrubbery. The composition balances built environment with foliage, offering a moment of stillness within an urban landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The work portrays everyday life along the elevated railway, emphasizing the interaction between commuters and the surrounding greenery. The gathered figures on the staircase suggest a pause in transit, hinting at the coexistence of modern infrastructure and natural elements in early‑20th‑century Manhattan. The tranquil atmosphere invites contemplation of the city’s rhythm beyond its bustling streets.
Technique & Style
Executed as an offset lithograph, the piece employs a restrained palette of warm, earthy hues. Subtle gradations of tone create a sense of depth on the bridge, while the softer, muted colors of the foreground lend a calming quality. Elmer’s careful placement of line and tone guides the eye from the bridge’s span down to the figures and foliage.
History & Provenance
Created in 1914, the lithograph reflects Elmer’s interest in documenting contemporary urban scenes. While specific ownership records are limited, the print has been included in exhibitions of early American printmaking and appears in collections that focus on New York’s architectural development during the pre‑World War I era.
Artist & collection
