Big Inch 1941

"Big Inch" is a lithograph by American artist Rockwell Kent (1882-1971) created in 1941. The artwork depicts a scene of industrial labor, showcasing three men working to lower a large pipe, likely part of the Big Inch pipeline project. The composition features strong contrasts of light and shadow, highlighting the scale of the pipe and the effort required to move it. Kent's masterful use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes light and dark contrast, gives the artwork a dramatic and almost heroic feel. The piece likely reflects the importance of industrial work during World War II, emphasizing the contribution of laborers to the war effort.