Hell Hole by John Sloan

John Sloan American, 1871-1951 Hell Hole, 1917 Etching and aquatint, 10/10 9 7/16 x 12 3/8 inches Museum Purchase, 1977.5 © Estate of John Sloan/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Hell Hole is a 1917 etching by the American Artist, John Sloan. We see the cramped, claustrophobic interior of bustling bar. We know this is the Golden Swan, frequently referred to by its regulars as the Hell Hole, hence the title of the print. Located at West 4th and 6th Avenue in New York City’s Greenwich Village, the Golden Swan was frequented by both working class patrons and the artists for whom the area became known in the 20th century.