Setting Up the Bow-Net 1886

"Setting Up the Bow-Net" (1886) by Peter Henry Emerson is a photogravure depicting two men setting up a fishing net. The image, held by the Minneapolis Institute of Art, captures the moment with a naturalistic, almost documentary-like aesthetic. The composition focuses on the figures and their activity, emphasizing the simplicity and functionality of their work. Emerson's style, known as "naturalistic photography," aimed to depict scenes authentically, capturing the everyday lives of rural people and landscapes. The subtle details, such as the weathered faces and the worn clothing, add to the realism of the scene, highlighting the importance of everyday work and the interconnectedness of people with their environment.