Wicker Basket c. 1939

Bisby Finley, born in 1855, painted this watercolor of a "Wicker Basket". While seemingly a simple, still-life, the basket speaks to broader narratives about labor, gender, and the domestic sphere. Finley, working during a period of significant social change, captures an object deeply connected to women's work. Basket weaving, often a communal activity, was central to many women's economic and social lives, particularly in rural communities. The basket is not merely a container; it is a symbol of women's resourcefulness, creativity, and the intricate networks they wove within their communities. Moreover, the act of depicting this everyday object elevates the status of this traditionally undervalued labor. It invites us to consider the stories of the hands that crafted and used this basket, acknowledging the cultural and historical significance embedded within its woven form. It encourages us to re-evaluate the contributions of women and their crafts in shaping our shared history.