Two Girls Gathering Ears of Corn near a Wayside Shrine 1876

Anton Romako painted “Two Girls Gathering Ears of Corn near a Wayside Shrine,” using oil on wood. Romako, who lived in a time of significant social change, often portrayed subjects on the margins of society. Here, he presents two young women in a field, their traditional clothing hinting at a life deeply connected to the land. The act of gathering corn, seemingly simple, speaks to the labor and dependence on agriculture that defined many lives, especially for women, during the 19th century. There's an underlying tension in the scene. While it romanticizes rural life, it also subtly acknowledges the economic realities that shaped these women’s experiences. The Wayside Shrine suggests the role of faith in their daily lives, a source of comfort but also a reminder of the social norms that confine them. The painting captures a moment of everyday life, yet it speaks volumes about the roles, expectations, and quiet resilience of women in a changing world.