The Piccadilly Theater, Hyde Park Neighborhood, Chicago, Il, 1957, Oil Painting by Ruth L. Drucker. Offered here is one of a pair of paintings by a Chicago artist who worked in the mid 20th century and about whom very little is known. But this accomplished painting speaks for itself. The title on the back of the canvas states matter of factly "Winter Day" and that captures beautifully the muted light and subdued colors of a winter's afternoon in the city. Ruth Drucker's technique is learned and capable, indicating training in color theory and composition. The effect of the damp glistening haze on the street and sidewalk are worthy of Edouard Cortez or any of the other "Boulivardier" French painters of the early 20th century but with an added dash of Chicago scruffiness. The greening grass and budding tree branches tell of spring on the way. The worst of winter is past and this "cruel" April day will soon enough see robins and sunshine. The building depicted still stand on Hyde Park Boulevard though the Piccadilly Theater has been shuttered for decades in spite of many attempts to revitalized it as a live community theater center.