This interesting late 19th-century drawing by Swedish artist, Axel Kulle (1846-1908) depicts six men at a leather tannery. They’re absorbed in their work, each with their head down.

It’s unusual to find scenes of this nature and quite fascinating to unravel the activity. What are they doing? It appears the closest gentleman is working on a ladies' shoe. Perhaps all six are involved in the finishing process. Note the templates on the right-hand wall.

In 1893, when Kulle produced this drawing, he was probably living in Stockholm so perhaps it was a tannery based in the City.

Signed/dated in the lower left and framed.

Learn more about Axel Kulle in our directory.

Medium: Pencil on paper
Overall size: 20½” x 17” / 52cm x 43cm
Year of creation: 1893
Condition: Artwork presents well.
Artist’s auction highlight: £3,062 achieved for an oil painting in 2021.
Our reference: BRV670