Steamfitter

Lewis Hine

1921 · Gelatin silver print · Photographs

Hine’s iconic photograph of a mechanic in a Pennsylvania power plant celebrates the worker as a noble contributor to industry. The picture’s perfect union of mechanic and machine equates human muscle with industrial strength. Hine carefully positioned the man within the curves of the steam line and cylinder head. Striking a coiled pose for the camera, the worker grips his wrench, but close inspection reveals that it does not connect fully to the nut.

Artist

Lewis Hine

Date

1921

Medium

Gelatin silver print

Department

Photographs

Credit line

Ford Motor Company Collection, Gift of Ford Motor Company and John C. Waddell, 1987