Barber Pole 1935 - 1942

This watercolor rendering depicts an 84-inch-high barber pole of unknown origin. At first glance, it's a simple object, but the barber pole carries a surprisingly complex history reflecting shifts in medical practice, trade, and public space. Originating in medieval Europe, the red and white stripes of the barber pole signified the barber's dual role as surgeon. Red symbolized bloodletting, a common medical procedure, while white represented bandages. The pole itself was grasped by patients during the procedure. As surgery became a specialized field, barbers retained only their tonsorial duties. The barber pole, however, remained a potent symbol of their trade. Here in America, the imagery took on new meaning. The eagle at the pole’s apex evokes patriotism, transforming the utilitarian object into a distinct emblem of American commerce and community. Understanding this history requires us to look beyond formal qualities, instead focusing on period trade publications, medical texts, and social histories, to fully understand the barber pole’s place in the cultural landscape.