In the Garden 1874

Winslow Homer made this watercolor, ‘In the Garden’, likely in the late 19th century, capturing a rural scene. It offers insight into the cultural values and social dynamics of its time. The painting depicts a farmer with his back to us, pitchfork resting on his shoulders, a figure that can be understood in terms of class identity and the social division of labour. Set against the backdrop of a modest farmhouse, the scene emphasizes the value of rural life and the importance of agriculture to the American economy. The woman at the window could be the farmer’s wife or mother, and draws attention to traditional gender roles and the domestic sphere. The work can also be placed within institutional history, as watercolor was a medium prized by amateur artists. By adopting it, Homer challenges the hierarchy of painting genres, and elevates this scene of everyday life to the level of fine art. To better understand its meaning, research into the economic conditions of late 19th-century American farming communities is essential. Art history reminds us that artworks are both products of, and commentaries on, their social and institutional context.