Shipwrecked c. 1890

Constantin Meunier created "Shipwrecked" in bronze, and it now resides at the Art Institute of Chicago. The sculpture presents a figure emerging from a tumultuous sea, its surface rendered with a rough texture that conveys both struggle and resilience. Meunier's formal choices—the figure's contorted posture and the raw handling of the bronze—serve as potent signifiers. The composition is structured around the diagonal line of the man's body, suggesting an instability which is further amplified by the asymmetry of the base, evoking the chaos of the sea. The man grips what appears to be a plank, a symbol of fragile hope against the overwhelming force of nature. This artwork challenges the traditional heroic figure, presenting instead a raw, visceral depiction of human vulnerability, inviting us to reflect on the power dynamics between man and nature.