Copper Smelters c. 1939

David Burke's "Copper Smelters" (c. 1939) is a black and white lithograph depicting the interior of a copper smelting facility. The central focus of the piece is a large, cylindrical smelter, with a single worker observing the process in the foreground. The composition features a dynamic use of angled lines and dark shadows, creating a sense of industrial intensity and highlighting the powerful forces at work within the factory. This artwork provides a glimpse into the world of heavy industry in the 20th century and serves as a powerful reminder of the physical labor and technological advancements that characterized that era.