Domestic Life - 3800 Level - Empire Mine 1935

"Domestic Life - 3800 Level - Empire Mine" is a 1935 lithograph by American artist Ray Boynton (1883-1951). The artwork depicts a mule harnessed and ready to work in a dark, industrial setting. The scene, likely set in a mine, showcases the harsh realities of labor in the early 20th century. Boynton's use of graphite creates a stark contrast, highlighting the hard lines of the tools and the animal. The composition, featuring a cat in the foreground, adds a touch of domesticity to the otherwise stark industrial scene, creating a juxtaposition that speaks to the complex relationship between humans and animals in the workplace. The artwork is an example of social realism, a genre that often focused on the lives of working-class people.