Artwork
Removal of a Broken Crucible
Removal of a Broken Crucible is an oil painting by the Realist artist Constantin Meunier. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
About this work
Overview
Removal of a Broken Crucible is an 1892 oil painting by Belgian artist Constantin Meunier, depicting an industrial scene within a realism framework.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a group of workers in a dim, smoky factory struggling with a broken metal wheel and a heavy crucible. The scene highlights the physical toll of industrial labor, reflecting Meunier's focus on elevating the image of laborers amidst societal change.
Technique & Style
Meunier employed thick, textured brushstrokes (impasto) to convey the roughness of the workers' clothing and the heavy metal, adding a tactile quality to the predominantly dark brown, gray, and yellowish palette, accented with glowing fire or lamp lights.
History & Provenance
Created in 1892, the painting is part of the collection at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
Artist & collection
Artist
Constantin Meunier (French pronunciation: ; 12 April 1831 – 4 April 1905) was a Belgian painter and sculptor.
Museum
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
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