Fra Burmeister og Wains jernstøberi (From Burmeister and Wain's Iron Foundry) by Peder Severin Krøyer
Fra Burmeister og Wains jernstøberi (From Burmeister and Wain's Iron Foundry) by Peder Severin Krøyer, painted in 1885, is a powerful representation of industrial labor during the late 19th century. The painting depicts the interior of the Burmeister & Wain shipyard in Copenhagen, one of Denmark's largest and most important industrial companies at the time. The workers are shown in the foundry, toiling under the intense heat of the smelting process, surrounded by machinery and molten metal. Krøyer's skillful use of light and shadow highlights both the grueling conditions of the laborers and the grandeur of industrial progress.
Krøyer, a leading figure in the Skagen Painters group, was known for his ability to capture light and atmosphere, and in this work, he brings attention to the emerging industrial age, emphasizing both the workers' humanity and the technological advancements of the time. The painting is not only an homage to the working class but also a reflection on the intersection of art and modern industry in Denmark.
-
Title: Fra Burmeister og Wains jernstøberi (From Burmeister and Wain's Iron Foundry)
-
Artist: Peder Severin Krøyer
-
Date: 1885
-
Medium: Oil on canvas
-
Style: Realism
-
Current Location: Various collections, including Danish museums
-
Subject: A detailed portrayal of workers in an iron foundry, emphasizing the physicality of industrial labor and the significance of Denmark’s industrial progress in the late 19th century.