Stanley Francis Turner Canadian, 1883-1953
Further images
The image features "Construction Site, c.1933," a gouache on card by Canadian artist Stanley Francis Turner (1883-1953). The artwork is initialed on the bottom right and measures 15.75 x 15.75 inches. It is protected by museum glass.
This piece captures the dynamic and industrious atmosphere of a construction site in the early 20th century. The scene is filled with the energy of workers engaged in various activities amidst the structural elements of the building in progress. The vertical lines of the scaffolding and rebars contrast with the horizontal lines of the floors and ladders, creating a sense of depth and perspective.
Turner has employed a muted yet warm color palette to suggest the dust and the heat of the work environment, while the blue of the workers’ clothing adds spots of cool tones to the composition. The strategic use of light and shadow adds to the realism of the scene, highlighting the physicality of the labor and the solidity of the construction materials.
This painting not only documents a moment in the history of urban development but also serves as a homage to the laborers who build the infrastructures of our cities. The artwork is a fine example of Turner's skill in rendering scenes of everyday life with vibrancy and detail.