Sugaring Off at the Camp, Fryeburg, Maine 1866

Eastman Johnson painted ‘Sugaring Off at the Camp, Fryeburg, Maine’ to capture a scene of communal labor and leisure. Painted in the late 19th century, the image evokes a sense of American rural life, but we might ask, who exactly is included in this vision? The practice of maple sugaring, while presented as a community activity, was likely shaped by economic and social hierarchies. Were all members of the community included, or were some excluded based on class or race? The artist’s focus on a seemingly idyllic scene might have served to downplay the social tensions of the time. In order to fully understand this painting, it is important to delve into the history of rural Maine, examining census records, local histories, and other primary sources to uncover the social dynamics at play during this period. These sources will allow us to see the painting as a window onto a complex and contested social landscape.