Untitled c. 19th century

This is an etching by William B. Closson, and it depicts a scene of rural labor: a man plowing a field with the aid of horses, while another sits atop one of the animals. The plow itself is an ancient symbol, isn't it? Think back to antiquity. The earliest plows are depicted in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, embodying the dawn of agriculture and settled life. In this humble image, Closson engages with something primal. This is not merely about farming but about humanity’s deep-seated connection to the earth. We're reminded of Ceres, or Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and the cycle of life. The posture of the man guiding the plow conveys both exertion and a quiet determination, something deeply rooted within the collective psyche of rural life. Over time, the plow has become an emblem of man's struggle and cooperation with the earth, a theme that continues to resonate today.