Resler, George Earl (American, 1882-1954) American artists

The drawing presents a cityscape dominated by a large, imposing building with a central tower and steeply pitched roof. This structure occupies the middle ground, rising above a lower line of buildings that stretch across the composition. To its right and left, tall industrial chimneys punctuate the skyline, suggesting an environment shaped by manufacturing or processing activities. A body of water – likely a river or harbor – forms the foreground, reflecting the structures above in a distorted manner. A small boat with figures aboard is visible on the water’s surface near the lower edge of the frame.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes texture and tonal variation through dense cross-hatching and stippling. This creates a sense of visual weight and atmospheric density, obscuring details and contributing to an overall feeling of gloom or industrial grit. The sky is rendered with swirling patterns, suggesting movement or perhaps even turbulence.
The composition directs the viewer’s eye towards the central building, which appears both monumental and somewhat isolated within its surroundings. Its architectural style – characterized by pointed arches and a vertical emphasis – hints at institutional significance, possibly governmental or civic. However, the proximity of industrial elements undermines any sense of pristine grandeur; instead, it suggests a complex relationship between power, industry, and urban development.
The presence of the boat in the foreground introduces a human element into this otherwise impersonal scene. The figures are small and indistinct, suggesting their relative insignificance within the larger context of the cityscape. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the individual’s place within an increasingly industrialized society.
Subtly, there is a sense of melancholy or unease conveyed through the monochromatic palette and the heavy application of line work. The drawing does not celebrate progress or prosperity; rather, it seems to contemplate the impact of industrialization on the landscape and human experience – a visual meditation on the complexities of modernity.