The American Regionalism movement, also known as the American Scene Painters, began during the Great Depression in the 1930’s. The movement is divided into two groups of artists with different approaches. The Social Realists were devoted to depicting the social troubles of the suffering urban lower class. The Regionalists painted more positive subjects, hoping to lead the nation out of the depression by providing hope for a better future. This group often painted midwestern rural scenes with themes of hard work and self-preservation.

Artists: (biography & artworks) Related Paintings Reproductions

Herkomer, Sir Hubert von - 1849 - 1914
Marsh, Reginald - 1898 - 1954
Shahn, Ben - 1898 - 1969
Soyer, Moses - 1899 - 1974
Soyer, Raphael - 1899 - 1987