"My Boyhood" (5C14) 1889

Editor: This stereograph, titled "My Boyhood" by Benjamin West, depicts a hunting scene. It feels almost staged, despite the snowy, natural setting. What do you see in this piece beyond a simple portrayal of leisure? Curator: It presents a curated image of boyhood linked with dominance over nature. Hunting, historically, has been a male activity tied to power, class, and even colonial expansion. Who benefits, and who is excluded from this idealization of boyhood? Editor: So, it’s not just about a pleasant memory. Curator: Exactly. It prompts questions about representation, gender, and the social structures embedded within seemingly innocent scenes. Who is allowed to have a carefree "boyhood," and at what cost? Editor: That gives me a lot to consider about the image’s purpose. Curator: Indeed. It's more than just aesthetics; it’s a reflection of societal values and power dynamics.