Artists have always had the peculiarity of subjugating people to political issues and social criticism before the real revolutionaries even raise their voices. On the basis of about a hundred detailed studies, which Menzel had made in the Silesian Koenigshütte, he painted one of the most important works of realism, which interpreted by many contemporaries, especially as a statement of respect for the hard-working "modern Cyclopes", as some have titled the picture has been. This comparison refers to the function of the Cyclopes as a master forge in Greek mythology - they are said to have forged Zeus' Thunderbolt, Hades' Helmet, Poseidon's Trident and Artemis' Bow and later assisted Hephaestus. Later interpretations, however, regard the painting as an indictment of the miserable working conditions of the proletariat in the age of industrialization.

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Iron Rolling Mill by Adolph Menzel. Available as an art print on canvas, photo paper, watercolor board, uncoated paper or Japanese paper.
dark · sweaty · blacksmith · fire · work · danger · dirty · smoky · heavy · tired