Gezicht op het huis van George Gill Green in Woodbury before 1889

This photograph shows the house of George Gill Green in Woodbury. Its date and the photographer remain unknown. During the late 19th century, images of affluent homes often served as symbols of prosperity and social status, reflecting the economic disparities of the time. Green made his fortune in patent medicines, specifically "Green's August Flower" and "Green's Nervura," which makes one wonder about the promises and claims made about these products. The architecture embodies Victorian opulence, a style that frequently incorporated elaborate details to showcase wealth and modernity. The manicured lawn and impressive facade suggest control over nature and society, indicative of the values held by the upper class. While we consider this grand image, we might reflect on what lies beyond the frame. What were the lives of those who maintained the house and grounds, whose labor made such displays of wealth possible?