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Portrait photograph of three French chimney sweeps
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Portrait photograph of three French chimney sweeps
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14127105
© Mary Evans / Pharcide
Brush Brushes Chimney Dirt Dirty Labour Labourers Sweep Sweeper Sweeps Worker
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative portrait captures the grim reality of child labor in 19th century France. Three young chimney sweeps, dressed in tattered clothes and smeared with soot, gaze intently at the camera with weary expressions. The boys, likely no older than ten or eleven years old, each hold their brushes, the essential tool of their trade. The bristles are caked with grime, a testament to the long hours spent crawling through narrow chimneys, cleaning out the buildup of soot and creosote. The image offers a poignant glimpse into the harsh living conditions and arduous labor faced by these children. Chimney sweeping was a dangerous and physically demanding job, with long hours spent in cramped, dark spaces, inhaling toxic fumes. The boys were often recruited from the streets or orphanages, and their small size made them ideal for navigating the narrow chimneys. Despite the grim circumstances, the portrait also conveys a sense of camaraderie and resilience among the boys. They lean in towards each other, their gazes locked, as if sharing a secret or offering mutual support. The portrait serves as a powerful reminder of the historical use of child labor and the harsh realities faced by those in the labor force during this period. It is a poignant and thought-provoking image that continues to resonate with viewers today.
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