Ashcan is a term used to describe a type of painting that emerged in the early 20th century. It is a term that is often used in the art world, but it is not well known outside of that context. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Ashcan, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
The term Ashcan refers to a style of painting that emerged in the United States in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its gritty realism and depictions of urban life, often focusing on the less glamorous aspects of city living. The term Ashcan also refers to the group of artists who were associated with this style of painting, known as the Ashcan School.
Origin
The term Ashcan was first used in reference to the Ashcan School of artists, which included painters such as John Sloan, Robert Henri, and George Luks. The term was coined by art critic Arthur Hoeber in 1916, who used it to describe the group’s focus on everyday life in the city.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Ashcan refers to “a style of American painting of the early 20th century characterized by realistic depictions of sordid or mundane urban subjects.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines Ashcan as “a style of painting that emphasizes the gritty realism of urban life, especially in New York City, and often portrays the less glamorous aspects of city living.”
Associations
Ashcan is associated with the Ashcan School of artists, who were active in the United States in the early 20th century. The group was known for its focus on everyday life in the city, and its members often depicted scenes of poverty, crime, and other aspects of urban life that were not typically portrayed in art at the time.
Synonyms
Synonyms of Ashcan include gritty realism, urban realism, and social realism.
Antonyms
Antonyms of Ashcan include idealism, romanticism, and abstraction.
The same root words
The term Ashcan does not have any root words, as it is a term that was coined specifically to describe the style of painting and the group of artists associated with it.
Example Sentences
- The Ashcan School of artists was known for its focus on everyday life in the city.
- The paintings of the Ashcan School often depicted scenes of poverty and crime.
- The Ashcan style of painting was characterized by its gritty realism and depictions of urban life.
- The term Ashcan was coined by art critic Arthur Hoeber in 1916 to describe the group’s focus on everyday life in the city.
- The Ashcan School of artists had a significant impact on the development of American art in the early 20th century.