The following collection of images is centered on the labor of men. While the vocations below vary, many of the images depict virile effort and the grunge associated with outdoor, manual labor. Despite manual labor holding less cultural capital than other forms of work, male blue-collar workers are often valorized through artistic representation. What is "men's work," and what makes it masculine? How does the celebration of muscular, physical work through art influence our understanding of the average male worker?
Moses Oley Worker with Mallet lithograph on paper 16 ¼ in x 12 ¼ in (41.28 cm x 31.12 cm);16 ¼ in x 12 ¼ in (41.28 cm x 31.12 cm) Allocated by the U.S. Government
Commissioned through the New Deal art projects
John Sloan News of the Titanic crayon, ink and graphite on paper 14 3/16 in x 18 9/16 in (36.04 cm x 47.15 cm);22 1/8 in x 28 1/8 in (56.2 cm x 71.44 cm) Museum Purchase
Paul Strand Man with a Hoe, Los Remedios photogravure on paper 15 3/4 in x 12 3/8 in (40.01 cm x 31.43 cm) Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Philip C. Davis through the Friends of the Museum of Art
Heinrich Aldegrever The Labors of Hercules: The Nemean Lion (one of the set of 13 prints) engraving on paper 3 3/4 x 2 11/16 in. (9.4 x 6.8 cm);22 3/16 x 18 3/16 in. (56.2 x 46.04 cm) Museum Purchase
Lawren Harris Good bye, Dad, I'm off to fight for Old Glory, you buy U.S. gov't bonds Third Liberty Loan color lithograph on paper 29 15/16 x 20 1/8 in. (76 x 51 cm) Gift of Mr. Maurice F. Lyons
Jacob Lawrence Builders (The Family) screenprint on paper 34 in x 25 3/4 in (86.36 cm x 65.41 cm);29 15/16 in x 22 1/8 in (76.04 cm x 56.2 cm);38 3/4 in x 28 in (98.43 cm x 71.12 cm) Gift of Dr. James and Vivian Curtis
Danny Lyon Cal, Springfield, Illinois gelatin silver print on paper 11 in x 14 in (27.94 cm x 35.56 cm) Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James Agah, Class of 1989 (BBA)
D. James Galbraith Gandy Dancer, Brighton, Michigan vintage gelatin silver print on paper, laid down on board 14 x 11 in. ( 35.56 x 27.94 cm ) Gift from the D. James Galbraith Family
David Alfaro Siqueiros Workman lithograph on paper 11 ⅞ in x 8 ¾ in (30.16 cm x 22.23 cm);22 ⅛ in x 18 in (56.2 cm x 45.72 cm);15 4/5 in x 11 7/16 in (40.16 cm x 29.05 cm) Gift of Jean Paul Slusser