The fact that the gondolier is hidden behind a sign clearly illustrates their lack of importance to the scene. They’re nothing more than a faceless cog. Compare that to how labourers are depicted in socialist realism as prominent and proud figures central to the art:
The fact that the gondolier is hidden behind a sign clearly illustrates their lack of importance to the scene. They’re nothing more than a faceless cog. Compare that to how labourers are depicted in socialist realism as prominent and proud figures central to the art: