The largest ear of corn grown 1908

This photograph, copyrighted in 1908 by W.H. Martin, visualizes "The largest ear of corn grown." It shows a giant ear of corn being pulled by a horse drawn cart. The success of American agriculture was a key concern during this period. Consider the early twentieth century's fascination with scale, the industrial revolution, and the birth of agribusiness. Visual codes include the men atop the corn cob, dwarfed by its size, emphasizing the scale of agricultural production. The image likely circulated as a postcard, a popular medium for promoting regional pride. The question arises: is this a straightforward celebration of American agricultural prowess, or is it a commentary on the changing landscape of rural life? It speaks to the social conditions of agricultural production in the United States. To understand this image better, research into early 20th-century agricultural practices, postcard history, and the cultural context of the American Midwest is essential. The meaning of art is always contingent on social and institutional context.