Workmen with hammers
1936
photographic
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1936
photographic
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Dominant colour
Workmen with hammers is a 1936 photographic by Fortunato Depero, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This looks like a black-and-white photo of a sculpture. It shows two blocky figures standing side by side, each holding a hammer. Their bodies are made of simple, angular shapes—like stacked rectangles—with flat, shadowy areas. The figures stand on a low, flat base, and their arms are stiff, almost like they’re part of a machine. The hammers are oddly shaped, with thick handles and small heads, making them look more like tools from a factory than regular hammers. The whole piece feels stiff and geometric, almost like a drawing turned into three dimensions. If this style intrigues you, check out Depero, Fortunato.
