Collection of the University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA. Gift of The Gimbel Brothers, Inc.
1959.GIMBEL.35
Steel Test
October 1 1947 (Date published)
1946 – 1947 (Date created)
1946 – 1947 (Date created)
Gouache
Painting
Paintings
28.5 in W
x
25 in H
(Frame)
15.75 in W x 13.5 in H (Image)
15.75 in W x 13.5 in H (Image)
American
Single steel worker with long handled ladle to secure a sample for testing from the steel bath.
"The chemical content and physical qualities of every run of steel are of primary importance to the steel producer. In order to ascertain both qualities a workman secures from each steel bath a sample which can be submitted to the laboratory for test by technical experts." (D. Grafty, "Pennsylvania as Artists See it: The Gimbel PA Art Collection", 1948)
"Edward Millman's Steel Test is a testament to the daily routine of men within the steel mill. The warm colors engulf the steel worker as he collects a sample for chemical testing. These colors provide an overwhelming sense of heat. Behind the man, the bright wicket hole in the furnace door reveals the white hotness of the flames beyond. Yet, our gaze is firmly guided from the worker down the ladle to the shimmering heat where the sample is being taken. The expression of the man is complacent and yet we are drawn to this single presence of life by the cool colors that adorn his hat and the shadow of his clothes. He is distorted as well as illuminated by the intense light and heat of the steel as a component of the steel test, but not the subject. Perhaps we are to notice from the blankness of his countenance the disposition necessary to complete dangerous, repetitious work." ("SLAG", Fall 2010)
"Edward Millman's Steel Test is a testament to the daily routine of men within the steel mill. The warm colors engulf the steel worker as he collects a sample for chemical testing. These colors provide an overwhelming sense of heat. Behind the man, the bright wicket hole in the furnace door reveals the white hotness of the flames beyond. Yet, our gaze is firmly guided from the worker down the ladle to the shimmering heat where the sample is being taken. The expression of the man is complacent and yet we are drawn to this single presence of life by the cool colors that adorn his hat and the shadow of his clothes. He is distorted as well as illuminated by the intense light and heat of the steel as a component of the steel test, but not the subject. Perhaps we are to notice from the blankness of his countenance the disposition necessary to complete dangerous, repetitious work." ("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