Three Women c. 1938

Joseph Vavak created this print, "Three Women," sometime in the mid-20th century. At first glance, this image depicts a rural scene with women engaged in planting, but it also reflects a deeper social commentary of its time. Made in America during the Depression Era, Vavak's print uses stark contrasts and textures to convey the physical hardship of labor. The women are seen toiling close to the earth, a composition that creates meaning through visual codes. By depicting women performing this labor, the artist suggests that the burden of work fell on everyone, regardless of gender. It critiques the idealization of women’s roles, making it socially progressive for its time. To fully understand its context, a historian might consult archives of labor statistics, as well as visual culture from the period. The meaning of this artwork lies in its power to represent and challenge the social norms of its time.