In Charge 1899

Alexander Pope painted "In Charge" with oil on canvas, presenting a baboon overseeing two rabbits inside a wooden enclosure. The scene isn't just a whimsical animal study. It invites us to consider the social hierarchies of the late 19th century. Painted in the United States, at a time of rapid industrialization and social stratification, this artwork subtly comments on power dynamics. The baboon, an exotic creature often associated with human-like intelligence, is cast as a warden. The rabbits, symbols of vulnerability, are under its watch. Pope was known for his sporting art, and the staging of the baboon watching over the prey introduces a complex and satirical element into the work. To truly understand the imagery, we would want to look at popular representations of animals, scientific discourse around evolution, and social critiques of class and race from that time. With these kinds of resources, we begin to understand the rich social meanings embedded in this image.