Waffle Iron c. 1941

This 'Waffle Iron' rendering was made by Ralph Russell in the late 19th or early 20th century, using graphite and watercolor on paper. Russell, known for his detailed depictions of tools and machinery, invites us to consider the waffle iron not merely as a kitchen utensil, but as a cultural artifact. In an era of rapid industrialization, the waffle iron symbolizes both domesticity and the burgeoning consumer culture. The ornate design, typical of the period, reflects a society where even everyday objects were imbued with aesthetic value. Yet, this object also speaks to the gendered division of labor, the cultural expectation that women would undertake domestic duties. The smell of waffles evokes nostalgia, comforting memories of home, family, and tradition. In rendering this object with such care, Russell prompts a dialogue between art, industry, and domestic life. A simple waffle iron becomes a lens through which we can examine the social fabric of a bygone era, and perhaps, reflect on our own relationship with the objects that shape our lives.