The Joggling Board 1918

Helen Hyde created this print, "The Joggling Board," employing etching techniques. It depicts three African American girls sitting on a wooden plank that is supported by two stands. The social conditions that shaped the artwork are tied to the complex racial dynamics of the time. The scene may look innocent, however, it is important to consider the representation of African Americans in art and visual culture. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many artists engaged with racial stereotypes and perpetuated harmful caricatures, so we need to look closely at Hyde's approach and ask whether it challenges or reinforces these norms. What is the politics of this imagery? To fully understand the artwork, one could research the artist's background, examine other works from the same period, consult primary source documents such as letters or diaries, and study critical race theory. Ultimately, art's meaning is contingent on its social and institutional context.