Gridiron c. 1939

This is Maurice Van Felix's drawing of a 'Gridiron', made with graphite on paper. Van Felix was active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period saw significant shifts in industrialization and domestic life, especially for women who bore the brunt of household labor. Here, the intimate scale and the detailed rendering of a simple household object invites us to consider the gridiron beyond its utilitarian purpose. It becomes a focal point for reflecting on domesticity, labor, and perhaps even gender roles of the time. A gridiron, traditionally used over an open fire, speaks volumes about the labor-intensive processes of food preparation. Van Felix brings forth the tension between the artistry found in everyday objects and the often-unseen work that sustains daily life. This image highlights the value of manual work and domestic craft. It serves as a reminder of the cultural values attached to the home, family, and the intricate, often gendered, roles played within it.