Large Peasant at The Petit Palais, Paris

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From 1889 on, Jules Dalou started conceptualizing a 'Monument to Workers'. By visiting farms, mines and factories, his artistic studies multiplied rapidly, both drawn and sculpted. In 1896, a model emerged featuring a column surrounded by twelve niches housing statues of workers, with a 'Peasant rolling up his sleeves' atop it. Unfortunately, the monument was never completed. When Dalou passed away in 1902, only the figure of the Peasant had been finished. Exhibited posthumously, it remains striking: avoiding the genre of an attractive athlete posed in the antique style, it presents a genuine peasant, with his body deformed by labor, captured while resting. His pose, however, remains noble and full of dignity. The sculptor, previously a communard and dedicated republican, succeeded in innovating while denouncing the alienation of humanity through labor. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan The World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for public access. Scan The World is an open source, community-driven effort. If you have interesting items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can participate.