Sand Barges, Charles River Basin c. 20th century

Editor: This etching, "Sand Barges, Charles River Basin" by Joseph Jablonski, looks like it was made in 1925. It depicts industrial barges, and the sky almost looks like it’s exploding. How might the social context of that time have shaped this image? Curator: The 1920s saw rapid industrialization, particularly around urban centers. Jablonski's etching documents this changing landscape. The "exploding" sky you see might reflect a sense of both progress and anxiety around uncontrolled industrial growth. Do you see any tension there? Editor: Yes, it is definitely a push and pull between building up and perhaps tearing down, thanks for the historical context. Curator: Exactly, we can look at art not just for its aesthetic appeal, but for the questions it raises about a society's values and impact.