Husking the Corn in New England 13 - 1858

Curator: What a lively scene. Winslow Homer designed this image, "Husking the Corn in New England," and it's a glimpse into rural life, distributed via Harper's Weekly. Editor: It's incredibly busy! The materiality of the print itself makes the figures feel dense, piled on top of one another amidst the corn. Curator: The image romanticizes these communal labor events, presenting a social ritual intertwined with agricultural work. It's an idealized vision intended for a broader urban audience. Editor: Idealized perhaps, but still focused on the labor involved. The repetitive work of husking corn becomes a backdrop for interaction and courtship. Curator: Precisely. These husking bees were integral to community building. Homer is careful to illustrate the blend of work and play that defined these gatherings. Editor: Though, how many hands actually touched this image? From Homer's design to the engravers translating it to wood, the layers of labor are removed from this final consumable print. Curator: Yes, the journey of the image through the publishing industry adds a layer to its interpretation. Editor: It certainly does make you consider who exactly is involved when labor is romanticized.