Group of workers. Study for the Fourth Estate. Group of figures [3] 1899

Pellizza da Volpedo made this study for ‘The Fourth Estate’ using charcoal and brown pigment on paper. Volpedo carefully models the figures and explores the effects of light and shadow. The brown pigment imbues the artwork with warmth, while the rough texture of the charcoal adds a tactile quality, emphasizing the laborers' working-class identity. This piece provides a social commentary on labor, politics, and class issues. It engages with the tradition of social realism, portraying workers as heroic figures. The medium itself—charcoal and brown pigment—reflects the humble origins of the subjects, while also symbolizing the earthiness and grit associated with manual labor. Ultimately, the material choices and processes used in creating this study are integral to understanding its meaning. They remind us of the importance of considering the social and cultural context in which art is made, challenging conventional notions of fine art and craft.