Diaries of Samuel P. Avery 1871 - 1882

These volumes are Samuel Putnam Avery’s diaries, likely dating to the late 19th century, made with paper, ink, and leather. The diaries are a testament to the materiality of daily life, particularly for a man of Avery’s social standing. The texture of the paper, the grain of the leather, and the consistency of the ink would have been familiar sensations. The creation of the diary entries involved a deliberate and skilled process: the selection of materials, the binding of the pages, and the careful application of ink to record thoughts, observations, and experiences. Consider the time and labor involved in producing these diaries. From the manufacturing of paper and ink, to the binding of the volumes, to the act of handwriting itself, each step represents a significant investment. This labor underscores the cultural and economic context in which the diaries were created. The diaries reflect a world of leisure and privilege, yet one also deeply embedded in networks of labor and capital. These diaries invite us to consider the significance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork, and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.