August 1914

Helen Hyde created “August” as a woodcut print, influenced by her travels to Japan in the late 19th century. It was a period when the West's fascination with the Orient led to cultural exchanges and, at times, misrepresentations. In this piece, we see a young child, unclothed save for sandals, holding a fan. Hyde often depicted women and children in her art, offering a glimpse into everyday life. “August” captures a tender, intimate moment. But it also invites us to consider the role of the Western artist interpreting and representing another culture. Hyde's work walks a line between genuine appreciation and the potential exoticization of Japanese life. What does it mean to observe and document another's culture through one’s own lens? The artist’s perspective is crucial to our understanding of this piece, and its cultural context.