Flat Iron Stand c. 1939

John Petrucci made this watercolor painting of a "Flat Iron Stand" sometime between 1855 and 1995. The image invites us to reflect on how everyday objects can tell us about the social conditions of the time. Looking at the image, we can see a rusty, utilitarian object. Flat irons were essential tools for maintaining appearances, especially in an era where presentation was closely tied to social standing. This stand, therefore, speaks to broader cultural values around domesticity and labor. The fact that Petrucci, trained as an artist, chose to depict such a humble subject raises interesting questions. Was he commenting on the social structures of his time? Was he elevating the status of ordinary people and their tools? As historians, we can delve deeper by researching the history of flat irons, examining period advertisements, and exploring social histories of labor. Such investigations help us understand how an artwork like this reflects the complex interplay between art, culture, and society.