Cocktails

Motley was one of the first artists to portray the urban life of his fellow African Americans in Chicago. His aim was to "express the American Negro honestly and sincerely, neither to add nor detract," regardless of the activity. Here, a group of elegantly-dressed women enjoy a round of drinks -- during Prohibition, when the manufacture and sale of alcohol was illegal. Notice the painting of monks on the wall behind them, contrasting the women's conviviality and suggesting themes of restraint and morality.