Carousel Horse 1935 - 1942

Here we see Howard Weld's 'Carousel Horse', a rendering of a fairground ride, likely made during the artist's long life which stretched from the mid-19th to late 20th century. This watercolor offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of leisure and entertainment. But it also hints at deeper social stratifications. Consider the history of carousels, initially reserved for aristocratic displays of horsemanship, they evolved into public amusements, yet still, access often mirrored class divisions. Weld's artistic eye captures not just a playful object but a symbol of aspiration and escapism. The carousel horse, frozen mid-gallop, embodies a yearning for upward mobility, an illusion of progress that perhaps reflects the anxieties and dreams of a changing society. Does this image evoke feelings of nostalgia, or does it prompt a reflection on the complex interplay between leisure, class, and the American dream?