Old-Time Machinist at Lathe 1938
lewishine
minneapolisinstituteofart
gelatin-silver-print
automotive concept
gelatin-silver-print
charcoal drawing
automotive design photography
charcoal art
historical photography
portrait reference
yellow element
19th century
united-states
charcoal
graphite
"Old-Time Machinist at Lathe" is a 1938 black and white photograph by Lewis Hine, depicting a man operating a lathe in a factory. The photograph, held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a poignant testament to Hine's focus on documenting the lives of industrial workers. The image captures the machinist's focus and expertise as he operates the complex machinery, highlighting the physical labor and technical skill required in his profession. Hine's use of close-up composition emphasizes the worker's hands and the machine's intricate details, offering viewers a glimpse into the world of industrial labor in the early 20th century.
Comments
Lewis Hine was a documentary photographer, educator, and social reformer. Trained in sociology, Hine taught at the progressive Ethical Culture School in New York City before turning his attention to photography. As a photographer for the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC), Hine traveled the United States to document children in unsafe working conditions in factories, mines, fields, and city streets. Over ten years, he created an indelible record of the human cost of an exploitative labor market, documenting the tired faces of children at the end of their shifts, or even children mutilated by industrial machinery. These disturbing photographs were used in publications and presentations created by Hine and the NCLC, and ultimately promoted sweeping policy changes designed to protect children.
Join the conversation
Join millions of artists and users on Artera today and experience the ultimate creative platform.
CollectMore like this
