Puddlers in Profile 1895 - 1905

Constantin Meunier created this bronze sculpture called Puddlers in Profile, which is currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Meunier lived during a time of rapid industrial expansion. He became known for artworks depicting laborers with dignity. Here, two male figures are captured in profile; their expressions are solemn. It’s important to consider how class and labor are presented. The “puddler” was a skilled ironworker. The labor was hot, dirty and dangerous. By portraying the workers in a dignified manner, Meunier was not just making art, he was challenging the social norms of his time. "Art," he said, "should not only be a pleasure but also bring tears." Ultimately, Meunier asks us to confront uncomfortable truths about the human cost of industrial progress. The artwork serves as a reminder of the lives and labor of those who built the modern world.