Dough Trough c. 1953

Charles Charon created this "Dough Trough," a watercolor and graphite on paper, at an unknown date. This work gives us insight into the gendered division of labor that marked much of American history, particularly in rural communities. Charon, born in 1855, lived through a period of significant industrial and social change in the United States. Yet, this painting harkens back to earlier times. The dough trough itself embodies domesticity, historically tied to women's work in the home. The painting is a still life of an object used for one of the most basic elements of survival: food. But this is more than just food; it's about the labor, often unseen and unappreciated, that goes into sustaining families and communities. The choice to depict this particular object invites us to reflect on the roles and expectations placed on individuals based on gender and class.