Collection of the University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA. Gift of The Gimbel Brothers, Inc.
1959.GIMBEL.15
Setting the Charge
October 1 1947 (Date published)
1946 – 1947 (Date created)
1946 – 1947 (Date created)
Ink wash, Gouache
Painting
Paintings
21.125 in W
x
26.5 in H
(Frame)
11.75 in W x 16.75 in H (Image)
11.75 in W x 16.75 in H (Image)
American
Scene in gray and black with two workers with lit headlamps preparing charge, one holding dynamite sticks, the other inserting into face of coal with long rod.
"Coal is mined at the face by pick, shovel, and dynamite charge which is exploded electrically. Holes are drilled in the face of the coal. A stick of dynamite is inserted by means of a long rod and electrically ignited. One miner is shown holding the sticks of dynamite, while another places the charge. Illumination is provided by cap lamps." (D. Grafty, "Pennsylvania as Artists See it: The Gimbel PA Art Collection", 1948)
"Fletcher Martin was personally acquainted with blue collar life and frequently used his own experiences as inspiration for many of his works. In this painting we see Martin's perception of the harsh realities of industrial Western Pennsylvania in the late 1940's.
With only the steady stream of light from their cap lamps to guide them, two faceless men focus on the hazardous task of setting a charge which will detonate dynamite and loosen coal for picking. They are enclosed in a frame of artificial light whose beam serves to emphasize their dreary anonymity, which is in direct opposition to the dangerous reality of their work. Emphasizing the mining process and downplaying any sense of uniqueness, the artist effectively highlights the dehumanizing aspects of this potentially hazardous job. By filling the entire picture plane with their unidentifiable forms, was Fletcher imbuing these men with a heroism that he knew contemporary industrial authority did not adequately recognize?" ("SLAG", Fall 2010)
"Fletcher Martin was personally acquainted with blue collar life and frequently used his own experiences as inspiration for many of his works. In this painting we see Martin's perception of the harsh realities of industrial Western Pennsylvania in the late 1940's.
With only the steady stream of light from their cap lamps to guide them, two faceless men focus on the hazardous task of setting a charge which will detonate dynamite and loosen coal for picking. They are enclosed in a frame of artificial light whose beam serves to emphasize their dreary anonymity, which is in direct opposition to the dangerous reality of their work. Emphasizing the mining process and downplaying any sense of uniqueness, the artist effectively highlights the dehumanizing aspects of this potentially hazardous job. By filling the entire picture plane with their unidentifiable forms, was Fletcher imbuing these men with a heroism that he knew contemporary industrial authority did not adequately recognize?" ("SLAG", Fall 2010)
In Collection
ca. 1959, University Art Gallery Gift of Mr. Steve Osterweis, President of Gimbel Brothers, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.
ca. 1946-1959, Gimbel Brothers, Inc.
ca. 1946-1959, Gimbel Brothers, Inc.
Catalog of October 1, 1947 (first publication of the paintings)
D. Grafty, "Pennsylvania as Artists See it: The Gimbel PA Art Collection", 1948
R. Gigler, "Pittsburgh's Man of Steel", Pittsburgh Press Roto, August 12, 1979.
O. Francis, "The Saga of Joe Magarac Steelman", Scribner's Magazine, nov. 1931.
Roy Kahn, "Real Pittsburgh: Just an Average Joe", Pittsburgh Magazine, nov. 1985, 17-18.
Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, Feb. 25, 1948
John Oliver La Gorce, "Artists Look At Pennsylvania", National Geographic Magazine
Catalogue from March 1959 when the collection was presented at the new University Student Union at Pitt (formerly Schenley Hotel).
D. Grafty, "Pennsylvania as Artists See it: The Gimbel PA Art Collection", 1948
R. Gigler, "Pittsburgh's Man of Steel", Pittsburgh Press Roto, August 12, 1979.
O. Francis, "The Saga of Joe Magarac Steelman", Scribner's Magazine, nov. 1931.
Roy Kahn, "Real Pittsburgh: Just an Average Joe", Pittsburgh Magazine, nov. 1985, 17-18.
Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, Feb. 25, 1948
John Oliver La Gorce, "Artists Look At Pennsylvania", National Geographic Magazine
Catalogue from March 1959 when the collection was presented at the new University Student Union at Pitt (formerly Schenley Hotel).
Please note that cataloging is ongoing and that some information may not be complete.
Corporate commissions
Western Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh
Industry
Social
Western Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh
Industry
Social