Pigeons, an artwork by John Sloan, was created in 1910 and depicts the common pastime of raising pigeons on tenement roofs. The painting is a representation of American life during that time and is part of the Ashcan school of American art. Sloan’s artistic skills allowed him to succinctly yet artfully capture eye-catching subjects, which is why he was also very popular as a puzzle designer.
In the painting, men tend to their pigeons while the birds circle above them. The birds in the painting seem to represent the men’s dreams of escaping the hustle and bustle of the city by soaring over it. “Pigeons” is recognized as an important document of American life during the early 1900s.
Sloan was not only a painter but also an illustrator, teacher, and social reformer. His commitment to social reform is reflected in his art. The painting “Pigeons” is currently housed in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and is an excellent example of Sloan’s ability to capture American life in his art.
