Ralph Coxson with his Wife and Son, Shenango Ingot Molds (Working People series) 1976 - 1977

Milton Rogovin’s photograph presents Ralph Coxson with his family, immortalized in monochrome. Here, the chair becomes a throne, adorned with floral patterns reminiscent of ancient tapestries depicting pastoral scenes, a stark contrast to the reality of Ralph's industrial life. Consider how the family unit is framed against the backdrop of wallpaper, each pattern a small echo of domesticity. This imagery stirs a collective memory of hearth and home, a primal comfort juxtaposed against the unyielding nature of labor. One can almost see how this motif reappears across time, from medieval family crests to the idealized domestic scenes of Victorian paintings, each iteration a reflection of societal values and familial aspirations. The direct gaze of the family invites us into their personal space, an almost confrontational connection challenging us to acknowledge their existence and inherent humanity.