France at Her Furnaces 1917

"France at Her Furnaces" is a 1917 etching by the Scottish artist James McBey (1883-1959) which depicts a group of French workers pulling a heavy cable. The scene is set in a factory, with towering smokestacks and machinery visible in the background. The workers are shown in a dynamic pose, their bodies contorted as they strain against the weight of the cable. McBey's use of light and shadow creates a dramatic and powerful image, highlighting the grit and determination of the workers. This artwork, created during World War I, offers a glimpse into the crucial role that industrial workers played in the war effort. The etching is a powerful example of the artist's ability to capture the energy and dynamism of the modern world.