Voorbereidingen van de Thanksgiving maaltijd in de keuken before 1898

This photographic print, made by the Baker Art Gallery, gives us a glimpse into Thanksgiving preparations, likely in New England. The printmaking process itself involves a series of steps, each imbuing the final image with particular qualities. Light-sensitive materials are exposed, developed, and fixed to create this duotone image, capturing a domestic scene of labor. Look closely and you'll see women working, a division of labor that speaks to the social context of the time. The choice of photography as a medium is also telling. It was still a relatively new technology, offering a seemingly objective view of reality, yet it was also subject to manipulation and artistic interpretation. By focusing on the everyday, and the labor involved in producing a holiday feast, the print invites us to consider the material conditions that underpin cultural traditions. It encourages us to look beyond the surface of the image, and to recognize the work, skill, and social dynamics embedded within it.