Coal Mining c. 20th century

Editor: This compelling black and white print, "Coal Mining" by Harry Sternberg, presents a stark image of industrial machinery. The rough texture makes me think of the physicality of the work it depicts. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a powerful commentary on labor and industry. Sternberg's choice of printmaking, a medium capable of mass production, is crucial. Consider the materiality of coal itself, fueling industrial progress, yet extracted through strenuous labor. How does Sternberg portray that tension between progress and human cost? Editor: It's a somber image. I hadn't considered the choice of printmaking as a reflection on mass production, but it makes sense. Thanks! Curator: Understanding the means of production deepens our understanding of the artwork’s social commentary.