Loading Bauxite c. 1935 - 1940

Robert L. Benney created this etching, titled 'Loading Bauxite', at an unknown date. The print offers a glimpse into an industrial scene, likely capturing the labor-intensive process of loading bauxite, an aluminum ore. The composition is dominated by the looming infrastructure of industry—cranes, ships, and storage facilities—against which the figures of the workers appear small, yet essential. The print resonates with the social realism movement, reflecting the artist’s awareness of working-class lives and the physical demands of their labor. The lack of idealization invites reflection on the conditions and contributions of those who powered industrial growth. Benney's choice to focus on the workers, rather than the technology or owners, is a powerful statement. The raw, unfiltered depiction evokes a sense of solidarity and respect.