Tasting the Sugar 1866

Eastman Johnson painted ‘Tasting the Sugar’ using oils on canvas, a traditional fine art material, yet here employed to depict a scene of industry. It pictures a group of people engaged in the labor-intensive process of maple sugaring. The scene is dominated by the deep browns and blacks of the bare trees, punctuated by patches of snow and the warm glow of the fire. This stark palette emphasizes the demanding nature of the work, which is rooted in the land. Notice how Johnson’s brushwork is loose and suggestive, creating a sense of movement and activity. Sugaring was a communal activity, and the painting captures the social dynamic of the process. It was also an economic one, as the sugar would be sold at market. This commercial aspect adds a layer of complexity to the scene, highlighting the intersection of labor, community, and the market. Johnson prompts us to consider the value of labor, and how everyday processes are imbued with social and cultural meaning.