Billiards 

Abraham P. Hankins, born in 1898, created this print called 'Billiards,' using an etching technique, though the exact date is unknown. Hankins' life spanned a century marked by massive social and technological change, significantly shaping the cultural landscapes he inhabited. The game of billiards, often associated with leisure and social gatherings, particularly among men, hints at the dynamics of class and gender during the periods Hankins lived through. The soft hues and obscured figures in the print evoke a sense of intimacy, as though we're catching a glimpse of a private moment. Hankins doesn't offer a straightforward representation but rather hints at a narrative, inviting us to imagine the stories and identities of the players. Hankins offers a reflection on social rituals and interpersonal relations. It invites us to consider how leisure activities, like billiards, can simultaneously reflect and shape our understanding of identity and community.