Philip Evergood Wheels Of Victory Analysis

Created in the waning days of World War II, Philip Evergood’s oil painting, Wheels of Victory , may at first seem to be a celebration of American industry. The foreground of the 1944 painting is dominated by powerful iron girders, tanks, and a train engine, while an endless line of oil tankers crisscross the background. However, when examined more closely in the context of time, the painting seems to possess a more somber mood than a victorious one. While white train workers gather together in the center of the painting, a black soldier looks on despondently. I believe that the oil painting, Wheels of Victory, by Philip Evergood serves to remind its viewers that although African-Americans contributed to America’s victory in war overseas, they were not allowed to hold good jobs once they returned home to America.

The viewer’s eyes are drawn to the center of the painting where white train workers dressed in colorful clothes are displaying their papers and pocket watches. They stand in close proximity to powerful iron girders, tanks, and a train engine which show the chugging along of the American economy. Ribbons of oil tankers crisscross the background, portraying an economy that has no means of slowing down. Walking by the workers is an African American soldier carrying a rifle. Unacknowledged by the workers, the soldier passes by. This signifies African American involvement in World War II. While they contributed significantly to American victory, their work went unnoticed, and once they returned home they returned to a life of discrimination and menial