Going Home 1868

Editor: This print is titled "Going Home" by Frederick A. Heath. The figures, rendered in great detail, appear weary. It's interesting how their clothing denotes a certain class. What stands out to you about the material and the context that might tell us? Curator: It is not only the clothing, but the tools that tell us of their work. Notice how the family trudges, laden with baskets. This labor highlights the intersection of art, labor, and the very means of survival for these figures. How does this impact your understanding? Editor: It makes me think about who this was made for, and how the artist is using the materials available to him to tell their story, or perhaps, sell their story. Curator: Exactly. Consider then, the consumption of this image, its purpose beyond simple aesthetics. We might ask: what social function did such images serve? Editor: I see now that the print is not just a scene, it's a record of social dynamics and the means of representing labor. Thanks for pointing that out!