I smedjen 1848 - 1870

'I smedjen', or 'In the Smithy', is an artwork by Joel Ballin, made using engraving and etching techniques. The print shows the labor of metalsmiths. We can see one craftsman working at a bench with precision tools, perhaps filing down a small component, while another tends the furnace. The artist has paid close attention to the setting, with tools hanging on the wall in an organized manner. This gives an indication of the skilled, physical work being carried out. The image is not just a scene from a workshop, it is a scene depicting class. The composition of the artwork implies that these manual laborers are engaged in this intensive labor as part of their livelihoods. The scene captures the effort and skill involved in metalwork, reminding us of the connection between materials, making, and the social context in which art and craft are produced.