Construction Slaves (1922)

Technique: Giclée quality print
Recommended by our customers
Size
Finishing (pick one!)

More about this artwork

The painting "Construction Slaves" by Alfred Ost, created in 1922, masterfully captures the raw energy and somber tones of a labor scene dominated by draft horses. The artwork features a potent depiction of three large horses, their bodies massive and heavily muscled, suggesting their immense strength and the physical toll of their labor. The horses are portrayed in shades of brown and grey, with their muscles and veins prominently highlighted, emphasizing their physical strain and toil.These horses are harnessed together, pulling or carrying heavy materials, as indicated by chains and straps attached to their bodies. The scene is set against a sparse, industrial backdrop with minimal details, consisting of block-like structures and scattered debris on the ground. The environment adds to the overall feeling of harsh labor conditions.The somber color palette—dominated by grays and dark tones—sets a mood of fatigue and repression, reflecting the title "Construction Slaves." This suggests a commentary on the exploitation of animal labor in human industries, depicting the horses as sentient beings subjected to relentless work.Alfred Ost's use of expressive, almost rough brushstrokes adds to the intensity of the scene, conveying motion and the emotional weight of the subject matter.

Delivery

We create reproductions on demand, with a production time of 5 to 7 business days.

Our courier service ensures delivery within an additional two business days.

If you need a faster turnaround, please contact us. We can often expedite the process to meet your needs.

You can also pick up your paintings at our galleries in Kaunas or Vilnius.

Returns

Yes, reproductions can be returned.

If you have any concerns more than 30 days after purchase, please contact us. We will either provide a refund or offer a replacement!

Please note that we accept a maximum of two returns per customer. Since reproductions are made to order, we encourage you to choose responsibly.

Shipping expenses are non-refundable.

Alfred Ost was a renowned Belgian painter. In 1920, he garnered a bronze medal in the art competition at the Olympic Games for his exquisite painting titled "The Footballer" (Joueur de Football). Interestingly, that was the year when the Olympic Games expanded to include categories such as painting, architecture, literature, music, and sculpture.

During the challenging times of the Second World War, Alfred faced immense hardships, even running out of essential supplies like food. However, he managed to sustain himself through the help of Jesuit priests from the Xavier College in Antwerp. This help was in return for the religious artwork he contributed.

The Jesuits admired his artwork and provided him the opportunity to create murals across their school. These masterpieces illustrated the life of Francis Xavier, the patron saint of the Jesuit order and the eponymous college. Owing to a wartime scarcity of paints, Alfred resourcefully employed charcoal and charcoal sticks for his work. Later, these murals were preserved with a protective layer, and they continue to be among the school's most treasured possessions to this day.