Puddlers in Profile
Composition by Constantin Meunier Belgian
Executed by Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat French
Influenced by the social realism of Courbet, the Belgian painter and sculptor Constantin Meunier (1831–1905) is celebrated for his images of industrial workers. Iron puddlers, charged with converting pig iron to wrought iron, undertook strenuous labor and lived short lives due to their exposure to toxic emissions. A collaboration with the French art potter Adrien Dalpayrat, this double portrait evokes the strength and tragic heroism of these men within the unjust social and economic conditions of the time. By emulating the medallic profiles of important individuals found on the faces of ancient and Renaissance cameos, coins and medals, Meunier elevated the ordinary industrial worker to the status of a modern icon.
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.