A2: New Hampshire Parlor, c. 1710 c. 1940

Editor: Here we have "New Hampshire Parlor, c. 1710" a photograph by Narcissa Niblack Thorne created around 1940, now residing at the Art Institute of Chicago. The scale of the piece is disorienting—it's so meticulously detailed. What historical elements stand out to you? Curator: The detail *is* remarkable, and key. Thorne created a series of miniature rooms. Though seemingly quaint, these dioramas actively shaped the public’s understanding of American history and domestic life. Notice how the perfectly preserved interior projects an idealized vision of colonial New England, subtly reinforcing narratives of stability and order during a tumultuous era. What socioeconomic class do you think would’ve actually had the opportunity to experience life like this? Editor: I imagine not many... So, while presented as historical documentation, this image carries a specific point of view? Curator: Precisely. Museums weren’t—and aren’t—neutral spaces. Thorne's work, displayed in institutions like the Art Institute, contributed to constructing a particular image of the American past for a largely middle-class audience. Think about the message that the presentation of wealth sends to visitors, both at the time, and contemporarily. Editor: That's interesting. It prompts you to question what aspects of reality were consciously included or excluded to create a preferred narrative of early American life in America. Are there any specific objects within the composition that particularly highlight these themes? Curator: Absolutely, consider the books on the table in front of the fireplace. They project an image of refinement and learning, implying literacy and access to education – privileges not universally available. The architecture itself, with its deliberate craftsmanship, sends a message about material status and power dynamics. Editor: I now see how the scene creates a sense of selective nostalgia, prompting viewers to engage critically with historical representations. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It reveals how deeply intertwined social, cultural, and institutional forces are. Hopefully we can see historical works of art with a more complex interpretation of that influence going forward!