The artwork, entitled “Riveters,” was created by Stanley Spencer in 1936. Falling under the Neo-Romanticism movement, this genre painting vividly captures a moment of industrial labor and craftsmanship.
The scene in the artwork is populated with several laborers engaged in strenuous work. Dominating the composition are the figures of riveters, each intensely focused on their tasks. The central figure, standing prominently, operates a heavy tool, surrounded by winding cables and machinery, suggesting the physical demands and skill required for their labor. The workers are seen in various poses; some are bending or crouching, absorbed in their individual tasks, while others interact with large structural components against an industrial backdrop. The depiction of these figures is stylized, emphasizing their toil and dedication. The palette, rich in earthy tones, enhances the realistic yet romanticized portrayal of the workers’ environment, reflective of Spencer’s Neo-Romantic sensibilities.
