Return from the field 

Fritz Boehle created this drawing, "Return from the Field", using pen and ink. Boehle, living through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, witnessed significant socio-economic shifts, including the rise of industrialization and changing agricultural practices. In this drawing Boehle captures a group returning from work, perhaps singing, or at least calling out. The juxtaposition of labor, suggested by the scythe and sickle, and implied leisure speaks to the period's complex relationship with work. Notably, the inclusion of both male and female figures challenges traditional gender roles within agricultural settings, and the differing attire may indicate varying social classes or roles within the community. Boehle’s attention to their expressions invites contemplation on their experiences and emotional states, as well as the relationship between labor, identity, and community. This artwork then, provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during a period of profound change, offering insights into the social dynamics of the era.