Copyright This work is still under copyright. Jack Levine died in 2010; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2080. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.
In context
The Passing Scene — Jack Levine
The original measures 122 × 76 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 95 at death.
Painted when the artist was 26. The artist lived to 95. 2 of the 19 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Jack Levine (1915–2010) ▲ this work, 1941 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1948 Main working years: 1948–1962 Late works: from 1962
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/jack-levine-the-passing-scene-AS7SL5-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Phthalo Green #2b2623
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 71 works by this artist, of which 19 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Boston, United States
Born: January 3, 1915, Boston, Massachusetts.
Levine grew up in the South End of Boston, observing a vibrant street life composed largely of European immigrants and marked by poverty. These early experiences profoundly shaped his artistic vision.
Formal Training: He began studying drawing with Harold K. Zimmerman from 1924-1931. From 1929 to 1933, he studied at Harvard University under Denman Ross alongside Hyman Bloom.
Even as an adolescent, Levine demonstrated exceptional draftsmanship, earning early recognition from Denman Ross who included his work in exhibitions and provided financial support.
Early Influences: Levine’s formative years were influenced by artists like Hyman Bloom, Chaïm Soutine, Georges Rouault, and Oskar Kokoschka.
He became associated with Boston Expressionism, a style characterized by emotional intensity and expressive distortion.
WPA Years: From 1935 to 1940, Levine worked for the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided crucial support for artists during the Great Depression. This period allowed him to focus on his art and develop his social commentary.
European Influences: A Fulbright grant in 1951 took him to Europe, where he was deeply affected by the Mannerism of El Greco, inspiring him to exaggerate forms for expressive effect.
Social Commentary: Levine is best known for his biting satires on modern life, political corruption, and societal ills. His work often critiques power structures and exposes hypocrisy.
Biblical Narratives: He frequently revisited biblical themes, offering unique interpretations of classic stories.
Distinct Style: Levine’s style is characterized by expressive figures, dramatic compositions, and a keen eye for detail. His paintings often possess a sense of theatricality and psychological depth.
Early Exhibitions: He had his first New York exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 1936, showcasing works like “Card Game” and “Brain Trust.”
Controversial Work: His painting "Welcome Home" (1946) sparked controversy when displayed in Moscow due to its perceived criticism of military power.
Museum Acquisitions: Numerous museums acquired his work, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
National Academy of Design: Elected into the National Academy of Design as an associate member in 1979 and became a full academician in 1982.
In 1973, the Vatican purchased his painting “Cain and Abel,” to the satisfaction of Pope Paul VI.
Social Realism Pioneer: Jack Levine is considered a pivotal figure in American Social Realism, using his art as a platform for social and political commentary.
Lasting Impact: His work continues to resonate with audiences today, offering insights into the complexities of 20th-century society.
Estate Representation: The estate of Jack Levine is represented by DC Moore Gallery, ensuring his legacy endures through continued exhibitions and scholarship.
Levine died on November 8, 2010, in Manhattan, New York, at the age of 95, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to be studied and admired.
Every fact we hold on The Passing Scene by Jack Levine, on its artwork page
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For art students and researchers
The Passing Scene — Jack Levine
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The light-dark contrast of "The Passing Scene" is recorded as balanced. Contrast describes how strongly light and dark areas differ.
Regarding copyright, "The Passing Scene" is still protected by copyright.
The copyright status of "The Passing Scene" - still protected by copyright - follows from the artist's death in 2010.
The palette of "The Passing Scene" by Jack Levine is described as earthy. It is a compact description of the work's colors.
"The Passing Scene" is attributed to Jack Levine.