The Strike c. 20th century

Curator: This is "The Strike", an etching by Harry Morley. It depicts a group of men, seemingly laborers, in a moment of potential conflict. Editor: There's a starkness to it, a sort of resigned defiance. The figures are rough-hewn, almost like industrial components themselves. Curator: Etchings like this served as potent symbols of working-class struggle, tapping into archetypes of brotherhood against adversity. The lone figure walking away feels like a scapegoat, perhaps. Editor: The medium itself—etching—is interesting. It's a process of corroding metal to create an image, mirroring the corrosion and wear on these men's bodies and lives. Curator: And don't forget, the image also invokes classical statuary, lending the workers a sense of timeless dignity. Editor: I'd argue it’s less about dignity and more about the brutal realities of labor, transformed through the hands of the artist. Curator: Well, whichever interpretation you favor, the impact of seeing it is undeniably stirring. Editor: Definitely, it makes you consider the weight of production, literally and figuratively.