Interieur van het huis van George Gill Green in Woodbury before 1889

This photograph shows the interior of the Woodbury, New Jersey home of George Gill Green. We don't know who took it, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into the domestic world of a successful 19th-century businessman. The image invites us to consider the values and aspirations of this social class. Note the ornate details, the heavy furniture, and the prominent display of art, including a painting of a hunting dog. These details speak to a desire to project an image of wealth, taste, and social standing. The arrangement of furniture suggests a space designed for formal entertaining as well as private contemplation. What does this tell us about the public role of art in that era? It suggests that art served not only an aesthetic function but also a social one, as a marker of status and a means of communicating cultural values. To truly understand this image, we need to delve into the social and economic history of the time, exploring sources such as period newspapers, business records, and social registers. Only then can we fully appreciate the complex interplay of art, society, and individual identity that this photograph captures.