Puddlers in Profile

Constantin Meunier, a Belgian sculptor renown for his innovative depictions of industrial workers, here depicts a two-man crew of iron puddlers in a sensitive jugate portrait. In charge of converting pig iron to wrought iron, these puddlers underwent strenuous labor and faced a shortened life expectancy. The strength and pride with which Meunier imbues his piece glorifies the lives and accomplishments of these men within the unjust social and economic conditions of the time.