Deux ouvriers or Alcoholism

This work is considered to be among Toorop's first works that use the combination of a social critical theme and the usage of attributes with a symbolic significance.
On 'Deux Ouvriers' one of the workmen is holding a bottle in his left hand, in this context a symbol for alcoholism, the only escape from misery.
The present watercolour shows marvellousy the poverty and misery of two workingmen.
It is accentuated by the worn out clothes and the hollow expression of their faces.
However, their upright frontal position and the richness of the used colours reinforce the expression of their human dignity.
This work, bought from the artist in 1890 by Dr. J.D.C. Titsingh and shortly afterwards acquired by H.P. Bremmer for his private collection, is a very fine example of Toorop's facination for symbolism.
It even can be said that this work belongs to the group of masterpieces dating from this period, and it can be ranged to his most important works on paper.