Cotton Country c. 20th century

E.G. Starr's lithograph, "Cotton Country," captures the harsh realities of labor, and is rendered in stark black and white. This work invites reflection on the socio-economic structures of the early 20th century American South. The figures, likely African American laborers, are central to the composition, and they appear burdened by large sacks of cotton. The artist’s choice to depict the workers with such weight underscores the physical and emotional toll of their work. Evoking both the historical weight of slavery and the continued economic oppression experienced by Black communities in the Jim Crow South, Starr doesn't shy away from portraying the difficult aspects of American history. The setting, a rural landscape with a simple dwelling in the background, suggests a sense of isolation and economic disparity. This piece captures a moment in time, inviting viewers to reflect on the complex intersections of race, labor, and class that defined the American South, and to consider its legacy in our present day.