Pickling 1900

Timothy Cole created this wood engraving, "Pickling," date unknown, after Bail's painting housed at Petit Palais, Paris, France. It depicts a woman in domestic labor, deeply entrenched in the act of preserving food, hinting at broader themes of sustenance, labor, and the role of women. The cultural context surrounding this image reveals insights into the lives of working-class women in the 19th century, the era of mass production and consumption and an art market dominated by the male gaze. The act of pickling, traditionally a female domain, speaks to the domestic sphere and the economic necessities that shaped women’s lives. This image offers a glimpse into the daily routines and social expectations placed upon women, reflecting conservative social structures. Understanding "Pickling" requires delving into socio-economic conditions, gender roles, and art's intersection with everyday life. Resources such as historical archives, gender studies, and culinary history would offer a greater appreciation for the complex social narratives embedded within this seemingly simple scene.