Steamfitter
Hine’s iconic photograph of a mechanic in a Pennsylvania power plant celebrates the worker as a noble contributor to industry. The picture’s perfect union of mechanic and machine equates human muscle with industrial strength. Hine carefully positioned the man within the curves of the steam line and cylinder head. Striking a coiled pose for the camera, the worker grips his wrench, but close inspection reveals that it does not connect fully to the nut.
Artwork Details
- Title: Steamfitter
- Artist: Lewis Hine (American, 1874–1940)
- Date: 1921
- Medium: Gelatin silver print
- Dimensions: 42.1 x 30.9 cm (16 9/16 x 12 3/16 in.)
- Classification: Photographs
- Credit Line: Ford Motor Company Collection, Gift of Ford Motor Company and John C. Waddell, 1987
- Object Number: 1987.1100.146
- Curatorial Department: Photographs
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