Harvesting, New England c. 1866

Aaron Draper Shattuck made this pencil drawing, Harvesting, New England, to capture an agricultural scene, embedding in it social and cultural meanings. Look closely. How does Shattuck present the harvesters? The image suggests that the work is communal and perhaps even joyful. But what does it leave out? Are we seeing the full picture of labor in 19th-century America? The idealized rural scene can be contrasted with the realities of industrializing America, as more and more people moved to urban centers for factory jobs. Historical context is crucial to understanding this artwork fully. Research into agricultural practices, labor conditions, and social dynamics in New England during this time can offer deeper insights into the drawing's meaning and significance. Recognizing the power of art to both reflect and shape perceptions, we come to see this is not just a picture of harvesting, but a statement about American values.