Artwork

Man Carrying Lumber

Man Carrying Lumber, by Henri-Gabriel Ibels, ink, 1893
Man Carrying Lumber, by Henri-Gabriel Ibels, ink, 1893

Man Carrying Lumber is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Henri-Gabriel Ibels. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Man Carrying Lumber is a 1893 lithograph by Henri-Gabriel Ibels, executed in black on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a shirtless man straining under the weight of a large wooden beam, rendered in bold lines against a plain background. A handwritten notation referencing a Théâtre-Libre program suggests a connection to the experimental theater group.

Technique & Style

The image is characterized by thick, expressive lines and a stark contrast between the detailed figure and the minimal background.

Context

Théâtre-Libre was known for innovative productions, and the notation on the print implies that it may have been intended for use as a poster for one of their shows.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henri-Gabriel Ibels

Artist

Henri-Gabriel Ibels

Henri-Gabriel Ibels (1867–1936) was a French artist, born in 10ᵗʰ arrondissement of Paris.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.