Christmas Belles (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. XIII) 1869

Winslow Homer created this wood engraving, "Christmas Belles," for Harper's Weekly, a popular 19th-century periodical. Homer's illustration provides a glimpse into the lives of the upper class during the winter season. Look closely, and you'll notice a group of well-dressed figures riding in a horse-drawn sleigh. The women, adorned in fashionable hats and furs, exude an air of elegance. But what does it mean to be a "belle" in this era? Are they simply symbols of beauty and grace, or do they represent something more? This image reflects a specific moment in American history, a time of rapid industrialization and growing social inequality. The leisure and luxury depicted here stand in stark contrast to the experiences of many working-class Americans. It invites us to consider the complex relationship between wealth, gender, and social status in 19th-century America.