In the Fields 1947

Elizabeth Catlett’s 1947 linocut, “In the Fields,” is a powerful depiction of a Black woman working in a field. The artist uses bold, graphic lines and stark contrasts of black and white to convey a sense of strength and resilience. The woman’s figure is large and imposing, filling the frame with a determined stance. Her simple clothing and the tools she carries underscore her dedication to the labor that sustains her. Catlett, a prominent sculptor and printmaker, was deeply committed to social justice themes in her work, and “In the Fields” stands as a powerful testament to the dignity of Black labor and its contributions to society.