Horses--Farming 1941 - 1945

Robert Frank, a Swiss-American photographer known for his raw and influential style, captured "Horses--Farming" with his camera. While the date is unknown, we can imagine it was taken during his prolific period of documenting American life. In this small, square frame, three horses stand close together, their bodies filling the space, they are burdened by harnesses. Frank often explored themes of labor, and here, the horses become symbols of rural life and the physical demands of farming. The image evokes a sense of the animals' stoic presence and quiet strength. It's easy to imagine the historical context of these working animals within a broader narrative of agricultural labor, particularly in the context of American identity and the romanticization of rural life. But it also raises questions about the relationship between humans and animals, and the ethics of labor and exploitation. "Horses—Farming," challenges us to consider the unseen labor that sustains our lives and invites us to reflect on the values we place on work, nature, and the creatures who share our world.