The artwork, titled “Steel,” was created by Thomas Hart Benton in 1931. Executed in tempera on canvas, this piece belongs to the Regionalism art movement and falls under the genre of genre painting. It is part of the series “America Today” and is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
“Steel” vividly portrays the intense and dynamic environment of industrial labor in the early 20th century. The scene is dominated by muscular workers engaged in various strenuous activities, highlighting the physicality and vigor of their tasks. The artist employs bold, sweeping lines and vibrant colors to convey the energy and heat of the steel mill. The composition is densely packed with figures and machinery, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human effort and mechanical power. Benton’s distinctive style, characterized by fluid forms and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, imbues the scene with a sense of immediacy and movement. The artwork serves as a powerful depiction of American industry and labor during a transformative period in the nation’s history.
