Horse and Rider Weather Vane c. 1938

This watercolor of a horse and rider weather vane was made by George File, who lived from 1855 to 1995. Born in the late 19th century, File lived through dramatic transformations in American life, witnessing industrialization and cultural shifts that shaped both rural and urban landscapes. Weather vanes are of course deeply connected to rural life and the agrarian economy. This image captures a sense of motion, perhaps reflecting the dynamic relationship between people and their environment. The horse, a symbol of both labor and leisure, carries a rider who is presumably white. This representation evokes ideas about land ownership and control, subtly referencing histories of power and privilege. While appearing traditional, File's careful rendering of the subject invites us to reflect on the complex layers of American identity and history, even in seemingly simple objects. It’s a reminder that art can capture not only the visible world but also the values and tensions that shape our understanding of it.