Picture Frame 1935 - 1942

This is John Koehl's "Picture Frame," made sometime between 1855 and 1955. Koehl lived through the tumult of the American Civil War and its aftermath, a period where notions of patriotism and national identity were deeply contested. This context feels especially relevant when viewing this piece, as the frame itself is adorned with symbols of military might: crossed rifles, cannons, and shields. The frame doesn't simply surround an image; it actively participates in constructing a narrative, one that evokes ideas of power, defense, and perhaps even aggression. Consider what it means to encase an image, to give it context through such loaded symbols. Does it honor a history of struggle? Or does it glorify a particular vision of dominance? The emotional resonance of this piece lies in the tension between the intimate act of framing and the grand narratives of conflict and national pride.