ArtistMelvin Nesbitt Jr.
Man in the House
Date2019
MediumMixed media on wood panel
Dimensions60 x 48 3/4 in. (152.4 x 123.8 cm)
Framed Size: 66 1/2 x 54 x 5 3/4 in. (168.9 x 137.2 x 14.6 cm)
Credit LineDC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Art Bank Collection
Object numberDCCAH2021.032
ClassificationsPaintings
Locations
- Currently Not on View
DescriptionIn Man in the House, Nesbitt addresses America’s welfare system and its impact on his family. Though the “man in the house” rule that denied welfare assistance to children residing with an able-bodied adult male was struck down by the Supreme Court in 1968, it continued to be used to intimidate welfare recipients. As a result, countless children lived without their fathers. Instead, they lived with a promise of public housing and a check from the government. Thus, this artwork serves as a family portrait, with the father replaced by an image of Uncle Sam.
