The Morning Bell (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. XVII) 1873

Winslow Homer created this wood engraving, "The Morning Bell," for Harper's Weekly. The year it was made, 1873, Reconstruction was underway after the American Civil War. Homer often depicted rural life and labor. Here, we see figures crossing a bridge towards a factory, presumably heading to work, with women in the foreground. The stark light and shadow give a sense of somberness, hinting at the lives of the working class. The women carrying what appear to be lunch pails represent a departure from traditional depictions of women in domestic roles, but also emphasizes the realities of gendered labor. The artist presents a narrative of labor that invites viewers to reflect on the emotional and physical toll of industrial work. Homer neither glorifies nor romanticizes this scene, instead offering a glimpse into the everyday experiences of ordinary people. It is a powerful statement about the changing social and economic landscape of America.