Arbeiders in een steengroeve 1876

Auguste André Lançon made this print, "Arbeiders in een steengroeve," which translates to "Workers in a Quarry," sometime in the mid-19th century. As Europe underwent massive industrialization, the laboring classes became an increasing subject in art, mirroring both a romanticization and critique of their toils. Here, Lançon depicts two workers within the harsh environment of a quarry. One worker stands covered head to toe in white dust, diligently carving stone, while another bears the heavy load, trudging along a makeshift path. The print captures a moment of labor but also hints at the physical toll exacted on these bodies. Lançon, working in a time of emerging social consciousness, presents a scene devoid of romanticism. While the piece is rooted in its time, questions of labor, exploitation, and class identity remain poignant today. As we reflect on this scene, let's consider our relationship to the commodities we consume and the unseen hands that bring them to us.