Coal Barges Unloading (recto); Sketch of a Building (verso) c. 1872

Walter Greaves' etching "Coal Barges Unloading" (c. 1872) depicts a scene of industrial activity on a bustling waterfront. The detailed rendering of the barges, the dock, and the figures working around them highlights the artist's interest in capturing the realities of everyday life. The use of line and shading adds depth and texture to the composition, creating a sense of realism that draws the viewer into the scene. The artwork, currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the working class of 19th-century Britain and provides a testament to Greaves' skill as a printmaker.