Steam Shovels 

Salvatore Pinto made this print titled ‘Steam Shovels’ using etching, likely in the mid-20th century. It pictures a construction site, dominated by steam shovels, and teeming with workers, all set against a backdrop of urban buildings. The image encapsulates the ethos of the industrial age, celebrating progress and the collective effort required to build modern cities. Pinto, working during a time of rapid urbanization, portrays the transformative power of industry while also hinting at its human cost. The scene, reminiscent of the WPA projects of the New Deal era in the US, invites reflection on labor, urbanization, and the changing American landscape. Delving into archives of urban planning, labor history, and industrial technology of the time offers deeper understanding, connecting the visual artwork to the broader socio-economic context. It emphasizes art's role in reflecting and shaping our understanding of society.