American, 1897-1989

Autumn Woods, c.1935-1943

Oil on canvas

24”x 29”

The Brooklyn College Library Collection

Before arriving in the U.S. during the Great Depression, Stephan Csoka was considered one of Hungary’s most talented young artists. In America he worked as a housepainter with his father-in-law before becoming an art teacher at both Hunter College and the National Academy of Design. His works can be found in institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum and the Library of Congress.

In this painting, created for the WPA in 1937, Csoka creates a scene of rich autumn foliage with a muted palette of orange, brown, green, and purple.

Federal Art Project

Living New Deal