Le Fer Qui Donne Le Pain 1905

"Le Fer Qui Donne Le Pain" (1905) by Jean Lecomte du Nouÿ (1842-1923) depicts a robust man seated and working with a hammer and anvil. His muscled physique and worn clothing indicate a life of physical labor, possibly a blacksmith or metalworker. The title, translating to "The Iron That Gives Bread," suggests a connection between hard work and sustenance. The artist's focus on the man's toil highlights the importance of manual labor in society, a recurring theme in his works.