Good Morning! 1885

Frederick Juengling made this engraving, "Good Morning!", sometime during his career as a wood engraver in the late 19th century. Juengling immigrated to the United States from Germany, and became known for his contributions to the American etching revival. In this print, we see a barn interior bustling with life. Children and a woman gather by the open door as ducks swarm. Juengling gives us a glimpse into the rural life of the time. The scene invites reflection on labor, family, and the ties between humans and animals. Juengling was committed to capturing scenes of everyday life, stating, "I endeavor to reproduce what I see about me.” Juengling's choice to depict this intimate scene reflects the growing interest in agrarian life during a period of rapid industrialization. Juengling creates not just a depiction of a moment, but an emotional connection to a simpler time, a moment of shared experience between humans and nature.