Gezicht op het huis van Theodore Lyman before 1879

This photographic print from around 1900 by Thomas R. Lewis shows the Lyman Mansion and Chester Brook, both part of the Lyman Estate. The image offers a glimpse into the elite social life of Waltham, Massachusetts, during the late 19th century, a period of rapid industrialization and social stratification in America. The Lyman Estate, with its well-manicured landscape and grand architecture, visually represents the wealth and power of the Lyman family, prominent merchants and landowners. The image creates a sense of exclusivity and privilege, reflecting the social hierarchy of the time. Consider the socio-economic conditions that enabled the creation and maintenance of such estates. How did industrial capitalism shape class distinctions and cultural values in America? Archival records, family papers, and local histories could shed light on the social dynamics of Waltham and the role of institutions in shaping artistic expression.