Lou Barlow was a lifelong New Yorker whose printmaking career spanned eight decades—he lived to the age of 103. Barlow graduated from the National Academy of Design in 1930. He worked for the Public Works of Art Project until it was dissolved in 1934, after which he was employed by the Federal Art Project from 1935 until 1941. Barlow’s wood engravings, characterized by masterful design and meticulous technique, skillfully depicted the socio-political landscape of his time, evoking emotions ranging from poignant to humorous.

During World War II, he worked as a medical illustrator for the United States Army, and after his discharge, he pursued a civilian career in medical illustration and prosthetic design. Barlow changed his name from Louis Breslow to Lou Barlow in 1951 and resumed his printmaking after retirement. In 1994, he was recognized as a National Academician for his long and distinguished professional career.

Barlow was a member of the American Watercolor Society and the Philadelphia Print Club. His celebrated graphic works are represented in the collections of the Amon Carter Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum, Illinois State Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Academy of Design, National Gallery of Art, New York Public Library, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the University of California Santa Barbara.

Tenant Farmers (-- 1936, Color Wood Engraving.

Edition 25. Signed, titled, and numbered 15/25 in pencil.

Image size 7 15/16 x 10 15/16 inches (202 x 278 mm); sheet size 11 x 15 inches (279 x 381 mm).

A superb, richly-inked impression, with fresh colors, on Basingwerk Parchment, cream wove paper; the full sheet with wide margins (1 1/2 to 2 1/8 inches); a tack hole in the outside top center margin, well away from the image, otherwise in excellent condition.

Created by the artist for the New York City Works Progress Administration (WPA).

Literature: Depression Printmakers as Workers, Mary Francey, 1988.

Collections: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Public Library, Yale University Art Gallery.

$1600.

On the Beach (-- c.1937, Wood Engraving.

Edition c. 25. Signed and titled in pencil.

Image size 11 x 8 1/8 inches (279 x 206 mm); sheet size 16 x 11 3/8 inches (406 x 289 mm).

A fine, black impression, on cream wove paper, with full margins (1 1/2 to 3 inches), in excellent condition.

Stamped FEDERAL ART PROJECT NYC WPA in lower left margin. Created by the artist for the New York City Works Progress Administration (WPA).

The artist's depiction of the then popular New York City weekend retreat Coney Island.

$1700.