The artwork titled “Child Coal Miners” was created by Lewis Hine in 1908. This piece belongs to the Social Realism art movement and falls under the genre of photography. It is part of the “National Child Labor Committee photographs” series.
The artwork vividly captures a poignant scene from a coal mine, featuring young laborers accustomed to the grueling and hazardous conditions of their environment. The children, clad in work attire, are depicted beside mules used for hauling coal, illustrating the harsh realities of child labor during the early 20th century. The dimly lit mine, coupled with the serious expressions on the children’s faces, powerfully conveys the challenging and grim nature of their daily lives. This photograph serves as a compelling historical document, shedding light on the dire circumstances of child workers and contributing to the broader mission of social reform advocated by the National Child Labor Committee.