Forgotten Things 1943

Grace Albee made this wood engraving titled 'Forgotten Things', portraying a scene of rural neglect. The subject itself, an abandoned horse-drawn carriage, hints at a society in transition, most likely the United States. We can assume that 'Forgotten Things' was made at some point in the 20th century, which was a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the US. The imagery of decay suggests a critique of the relentless march of progress, and a lament for the values and ways of life left behind. It's worth noting that the Library of Congress holds a collection of Albee's work, which has implications for how the artist saw her public role. The title of the work also implies a strong element of cultural critique. The image may be read as a comment on the way that societies discard their past in the pursuit of progress, or the social and cultural consequences of such change. To get to the bottom of it, we might start by researching into the artist's politics.