George Luks was an American painter and illustrator and a leading figure of the Ashcan School, a movement known for its realistic portrayals of everyday urban life. Luks often painted the streets and working-class communities of New York, using vigorous brushwork, strong contrasts, and a direct, expressive style. His art rejected idealized subjects in favor of ordinary people and the energy of modern city life. Among his best-known works are Hester Street and The Wrestlers.