Where is my boy to-night 1917

Ralph Barton, a chronicler of the Jazz Age, created this lively image, “Where is my boy to-night." The image encapsulates the cultural shifts and anxieties of the early 20th century. The central female figure is adorned in a playful, polka-dot dress and surrounded by men in formal attire. This could be seen as Barton’s reflection on the changing role of women and the dynamics of gender in a rapidly modernizing society. Are the men figures of admiration, or are they imposing? Barton's work often incorporated elements of satire, offering social commentary through caricature. With a backdrop of ambiguous intent, Barton captures the spirit, but also hints at the underlying tensions of an era marked by transformation and uncertainty. The question posed by the title invites viewers to reflect on themes of longing, absence, and the search for connection.