Dinking the development of realistic local color in American painting with the growth of sophistication in urban life. Frederick B. Deknatel, associate professor of Fine Arts, discussed "Art and the Urban World" for the final American Civilization Group meeting of the semester, last night.

Speaking in the Union Library, Professor Deknatel chose a number of representative painters and showed how idealistic beliefs in the United States in post Civil War days had shifted to a modern desire to penetrate beneath the surface of American life.

"Ash Can School"

"Inness represented the deep religious affection of men of his time for American nature," he explained. "Then after 1900, interest shifted to the rough vigor of the city under the 'Ash Can School.' Today Thomas Benton has broadened out to portray all phases of our life in his murals, whose composition shows the conflict of forces at work in modern times."

In reply to questions, Professor Dsknatel asserted that the modern unrecognized artist can make a living in teaching or industry until be wins fame.

Yardlings, interested in the Group are competing for four essay prizes of $25, to be awarded January 15. About thirty essays will be submitted on any phase of American history. A second series and a contest will be sponsored next semester.