Hooping the Wheel 1933

"Hooping the Wheel", a 1933 etching by Albert W. Barker, captures a scene of three men working on a large wooden wagon wheel in a dimly lit workshop. The image is composed in a realist style, with strong emphasis on the details of the wheel, tools, and men's clothing. Barker, known for his depictions of rural life, skillfully portrays the labor and craftsmanship involved in this traditional practice. The use of a dark background with contrasting highlights on the wheel and men emphasizes the physicality of their work.