Franklin Park, Boston 1897

Maurice Prendergast made this watercolor painting of Franklin Park in Boston. Without a specific date it is difficult to know what social dynamics or political movements it might reflect, but we can still learn much from this image. Painted around the turn of the century, the painting depicts a vibrant scene of leisure. The figures, loosely rendered, suggest a diverse crowd enjoying the open space. Franklin Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, was intended as a space for public recreation. So this image subtly comments on social structures of the time, presenting a scene of shared enjoyment of public amenities. Prendergast's lively brushwork and focus on the social atmosphere also reflect a progressive sensibility, turning away from formal portraiture to the pleasures of modern urban life. Historical societies and archives might hold records that tell us more about the social and institutional context of Franklin Park at the turn of the century, allowing us to further develop our interpretations.