On this date in 1942, U.S. clocks were advanced one hour as the nation went on War Time to conserve electricity. Look closely to find the clock in this painting titled Penn Station at War Time.
War Time
On this date in 1942, U.S. clocks were advanced one hour as the nation went on War Time to conserve electricity. Look closely to find the clock in this painting titled Penn Station at War Time.
African American artist Joseph Delaney, a keen observer of people, captured the hustle and bustle of the crowded train station during World War II. With its people, buildings, and ceaseless activity, New York City, where Delaney lived and worked for most of his life, held an endless fascination for this artist.
As he commented: "The curtain goes up on the stage of life every time we walk into the street. In spite of New York's being the most congested city I have been in, and know about, by and large, it's just people on the move. I have enjoyed more than I can say seeing people and hearing them speak about things they love and enjoy."
Source: Sam Yates. Joseph Delaney: Retrospective Exhibition (Knoxville, Tenn.: Ewing Gallery of Art and Architecture, 1986).
Pictured: Joseph Delaney, 1904–91, Penn Station at War Time, 1943, oil, 34 x 48 1/8 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Joseph Delaney.