Nightlife Jigsaw Puzzle
- Measures 20" x 27" when completed, creating a museum-quality reproduction of one of the most celebrated Harlem Renaissance paintings, perfect for framing and display.
- Features Archibald Motley's celebrated 1943 painting from the Art Institute of Chicago, capturing the vibrant energy of a Bronzeville jazz club with dancing couples and sophisticated nightlife.
- Crafted with thick recycled paper board and matte finish for rich, vibrant colors and crisp details, while ribbon-cut pieces ensure a snug fit with minimal puzzle dust.
- Perfect for serious puzzlers and art enthusiasts, offering hours of engaging entertainment while discovering intricate details like the Lindy Hop dancers, vintage jukebox, and bustling bar scene.
- An exceptional gift for jazz lovers, history enthusiasts, and collectors who appreciate African American art, WWII-era culture, and Motley's groundbreaking contributions to American modernism.
Immerse yourself in the electric energy of 1940s Chicago with this captivating 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring Archibald Motley's celebrated masterpiece, "Nightlife." This premium puzzle transports you to a bustling Bronzeville jazz club where elegantly dressed couples dance, mingle, and celebrate life against a backdrop of rich burgundy tones and vibrant artificial lighting. Created in 1943 during World War II, Motley's iconic painting captures a moment of joy, community, and cultural expression in Chicago's historic African American neighborhood.
Archibald J. Motley Jr. (1891-1981) was a pioneering African American artist who dedicated his career to depicting Black urban life with dignity, vibrancy, and joy during an era when such representations were rare. Trained at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Motley masterfully combined Old Master techniques with jazz-age modernism to create paintings that pulsed with rhythm and life. The original "Nightlife" painting is housed in the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago and stands as one of the most celebrated works in the history of African American art.
Inspired by Edward Hopper's famous "Nighthawks" painting (which Motley had seen at the Art Institute the year before), "Nightlife" offers a contrasting vision—where Hopper portrayed urban loneliness, Motley celebrates human connection and cultural vitality. In this puzzle image, couples dance the Lindy Hop in the center, while patrons enjoy drinks at a well-stocked bar on the left and engage in intimate conversations at tables on the right. The scene is bathed in an intense burgundy light, which fills the entire club with warmth and energy. Notice the intricate details—from the fashionable suits and colorful dresses to the jukebox (topped with what may be a "Smilin' Sam from Alabam'" peanut vending machine) to the dancers' dynamic movements. Motley's compressed, stage-like composition and masterful use of artificial light create a cinematic snapshot of Black excellence, resilience, and joy during challenging times.
This luxury puzzle is meticulously crafted, featuring thick recycled paperboard with a matte finish that showcases rich, vibrant colors and crisp details—perfectly capturing Motley's bold palette and sophisticated lighting techniques. The ribbon-cut pieces ensure a snug fit with minimal dust, creating a satisfying puzzling experience. Measuring an impressive 20" x 27" when completed, this puzzle transforms into a stunning display piece that celebrates art history and African American cultural heritage.
Jigsaw puzzles offer a perfect escape from digital overwhelm while providing numerous mental wellness benefits. Focused concentration naturally reduces stress and anxiety while improving cognitive function and problem-solving skills. Share the experience with family and friends to create lasting memories through collaborative achievement. Once completed, your 20x27-inch masterpiece can be framed as striking wall art, gifted as a unique, handmade present, or carefully disassembled to enjoy again. Many puzzle enthusiasts use puzzle glue for permanent display or trade completed works with fellow collectors.
| Edition | Open Edition |
| Height | 20 inches |
| Length | 27 inches |
| Medium | Recycled Board |
| Signed | Unsigned |
| SKU | AA1075 |
| UPC | 9780764999697 |
Archibald Motley
Archibald J. Motley Jr. (1891-1981) was a pioneering African American artist and key figure of the Harlem Renaissance who dedicated his life to portraying the vibrant soul of Black urban America. Born in New Orleans and trained at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Motley broke new ground by depicting African Americans with dignity, joy, and complexity during an era when such representations were virtually absent from mainstream art. His distinctive style combined classical European techniques with jazz-age modernism, creating dynamic compositions that captured the rhythm, energy, and diversity of Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. Motley's masterful use of color—particularly his nuanced rendering of skin tones across the full spectrum of Black identity—and his celebration of everyday Black life challenged prevailing stereotypes and established him as one of America's most important modernist painters. His works remain housed in prestigious collections including the Hampton University Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.Most in stock items ship in 0 to 5 business depending upon the shipping method selected during checkout. Large framed artwork requires an additional 1 to 5 days of processing time to allow for framing. All orders over $250 ship signature required. Pre-Orders, identified by a “Reserve Now” checkout button, can take 3 to 14 business days to process and ship. If there is an issue with your order we will notify you with 1 to 2 business days. For additional information please visit our: Shipping Policy
