Christmas – Gathering Evergreens (from "Harper's Weekly," Vol. II) 1858

Winslow Homer made this print, "Christmas – Gathering Evergreens," which appeared in Harper's Weekly in 1858. At the time, illustrations in periodicals played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and reflecting cultural values. Homer’s scene captures a moment of holiday preparation, likely among a white, middle-class family. Yet, consider the historical backdrop: The U.S. was on the brink of the Civil War, deeply divided over slavery and issues of race and freedom. So, while this image seems to depict a universal holiday tradition, its representation of family and togetherness is not only highly gendered, but must be understood within a divided society and a specific cultural context. How might the experience of Christmas have differed for enslaved people or families separated by war? "Christmas – Gathering Evergreens" invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between personal celebrations and broader socio-political realities.