The Blacksmith 1913

"The Blacksmith" is a 1913 painting by Irish artist Paul Henry. The painting depicts a blacksmith in a dark, almost shadowy setting, with thick brushstrokes that give the work a textured quality. The figure is depicted in a moment of repose, holding a hammer, and is positioned against a dark backdrop, suggesting the interior of a forge. This depiction of a working-class figure at work aligns with Henry's interest in capturing the everyday lives of ordinary people. The painting utilizes a dark palette, highlighting the figure and the anvil through contrasts in light and shadow.