Calapai, Letterio

American (1895 – 1987)

Labor in a Diesel Plant, 1943

Woodcut on wove paper. Edition of 50. Exhibited in “Artists for Victory” during WWII. Signed, titled, dated and annotated “Ed. 50” in pencil.

15 ¾ x 9 ½ inches  |  40 x 24.1 cm

Please contact the gallery for price (510) 654-7910

Labor in a Diesel Plant is probably the best known print by Calapai, known for his politically engaged and labor-focused works. The print vividly depicts industrial laborers engaged in the physically demanding work of assembling diesel engines for WWII, emphasizing both their strength and the harsh conditions of factory life.  Similar to a mural’s compartmentalized scenes, this woodcut  champions the resilience and dignity of American workers during a time of economic and social transformation.