Mensen baden en zonnen in een rivier, Californië 1907 - 1981

This photograph, taken by Harry Smith, captures a scene of leisure in a California river. It offers us a glimpse into the social life of a specific time and place, raising questions about access to leisure and the representation of public spaces. The image is rich with visual codes. We see people swimming, diving, and relaxing on the shore, activities that suggest a culture of leisure and recreation. However, the composition also hints at social divisions: some individuals are actively engaged in water activities, while others observe from the shore, parasols shading them from the sun. What do these differing levels of engagement tell us about social class and access to recreational spaces in California at the time? To fully understand this photograph, we need to delve into the social and economic history of California during this period. Historical archives, newspapers, and social surveys can provide invaluable insights. This photograph serves as a reminder that art is not created in a vacuum.