Les Tanneurs 

Maximilien Luce painted "Les Tanneurs," depicting two leather tanners hard at work, during a period of significant industrial and social change. Luce, a committed Neo-Impressionist, often turned his gaze to the lives of the working class, seeking to portray their dignity and struggles. Here, the dim, industrial light emphasizes the workers' toil, their figures rendered with thick strokes that convey both their physical presence and the harshness of their environment. The artwork departs from romantic depictions of labor, instead offering a raw, intimate glimpse into the daily grind of these men. Luce, a socialist, likely sought to foster empathy and awareness among viewers. "Les Tanneurs" is more than just a scene; it's an emotional tableau that invites us to reflect on the lives and labor of those often unseen.