Cradle c. 1941

Archie Thompson's "Cradle" is a watercolor and graphite rendering that evokes a sense of domesticity and care. Born in 1855, Thompson created this piece in a time when industrialization began to change ideas of the home. There is a definite warmth in the color selection, as the brown tones of the wood invite us to reflect on the role of the object within a family space. "Cradle" engages ideas of gender and the expectations around domesticity. Traditionally, the cradle is linked to the maternal, as it is a symbol of motherhood and childcare. By presenting it in isolation, without a child, Thompson highlights the emotional labor associated with the creation and maintenance of a home. This artwork can serve as a poignant reminder of the labor, love, and expectations that shape our early lives and family structures.