Mr. H. R. Wilson, eighty-six year old farmer, near Cedar Grove, North Carolina 1940

Editor: Here we have Jack Delano's portrait of Mr. H.R. Wilson, an eighty-six-year-old farmer. The photo feels so intimate, capturing a weathered life. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: Delano, working for the Farm Security Administration, aimed to document rural America during the Depression. This image isn't just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed representation of resilience amidst hardship. Note the direct gaze, the worn clothing, and the farmer's steady expression. How does this portrayal challenge or reinforce common perceptions of rural life at the time? Editor: I guess it complicates things. It shows hardship but also dignity. Curator: Precisely. And remember, these images were meant to sway public opinion and garner support for government programs. Every detail served that purpose. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It is important to remember that the image is more than meets the eye.