Constantin Meunier (1831-1905) - The Stone Mason.

The stonemason.
Plaster with nuanced brown patina, in imitation of bronze.
Old restoration.

Trained in painting, Constantin Meunier turned to sculpture after returning from a six-month trip to Spain in 1883. At that time Belgium experienced profound political and social transformations. The rise of industry brought about the emergence of a growing working class. Witness to the living conditions of workers in the mining area of the province of Hainaut in Belgium, Meunier is struck "by this tragic and fierce beauty" of the working people. He wants to give a face to this new emerging class with often difficult living conditions. He will endeavor to represent this social reality and becomes one of the masters of a realistic and social art.