Henri Gervex (French, 1852–1929). The Coal Carrier. Study for the “Bassin de la Villette,” decoration in the Town Hall of the 19th arrondissement, Paris. 1882. Photo credit: René-Gabriel Ojéda. © RMN-Grand Palais / Art Resource, NY.

After receiving some notoriety for risqué subject matter early in his career, Gervex focused on realistic portrayals of contemporary life. Here, Gervex imbues much of the canvas with a darkness that almost weighs down the viewer. A dockworker carries a heavy bucket of coal as he descends and balances on a narrow, unstable plank between boat and wharf. His face is hidden in the shadows of his burden; his trunk and upper extremities are illuminated. He relies on scapular stabilization and rotator cuff strength, his body leaning back to counteract the forces that push him forward. His grip on the coal bucket seems almost delicate.