Men Towing a Barge [Study for Boubourouche] c. 1892

"Men Towing a Barge [Study for Boubourouche]" (c. 1892) by Henri-Gabriel Ibels is a pastel drawing depicting two men, likely working class, towing a barge along a canal. The scene is framed by a window or door, emphasizing the everyday lives of the working class. The composition is loose and gestural, typical of Ibels' style, using bold lines and contrasting colors to capture the movement and energy of the scene. This study served as preparation for Ibels' larger painting "Boubourouche," which depicted a similar scene. This artwork provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of working-class people in late 19th-century France, highlighting the importance of manual labor and the challenges of the time.