Three men at work by fire 1845 - 1864

"Three Men at Work by Fire" is a black and white etching on paper by Charles Jacque, a prominent French artist known for his depictions of rural life. The artwork, created between 1845 and 1864, captures a scene of three men working by a fire, highlighting the artist's keen observation of everyday life and his masterful use of line and shading. The etching's intimate scale, measuring 4 3/4 × 4 1/16 inches, allows the viewer to focus on the details of the men's postures and tools, immersing them in the scene's simple but powerful narrative. This etching, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, is a testament to Jacque's ability to elevate the ordinary into something profoundly artistic, creating a timeless portrayal of human labor and resilience.