The artwork named “Steamfitter” by artist Lewis Hine, created in 1921, is a gelatin silver print that belongs to the Social Realism art movement. Measuring 42.1 x 30.9 cm, this photograph is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork depicts a muscular laborer, engrossed in his strenuous task, positioning himself in front of an imposing industrial machine. The worker’s physique, accentuated by his sleeveless attire, highlights the physical demands of his occupation. The composition focuses on the intricate interplay between man and machinery, underscoring the theme of industrial strength and human endurance inherent in the Social Realism movement. The black and white medium further emphasizes the stark, gritty reality of the working-class environment during the early 20th century, offering a poignant glimpse into the era’s labor conditions.
