Preparing for Christmas (Plucking Turkeys) 1851

"Preparing for Christmas (Plucking Turkeys)" by Francis William Edmonds (1806-1863) is a painting depicting a scene of everyday life in 19th-century America. The painting, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, captures the bustle of preparing for the Christmas holiday. Three men, including a Black man, work together outside a barn, preparing turkeys for a festive feast. The scene showcases the teamwork and communal spirit of the time, reflecting the significance of family and tradition in American society. Edmonds' meticulous detail and realistic style bring this slice of life to the viewer, offering a glimpse into the past.