Waiting for the Boats 1889

"Waiting for the Boats" (1889) by Lydell Sawyer depicts a group of women and children gathered on a dock, likely waiting for fishing boats to return. The women are dressed in simple clothing and many are holding baskets, suggesting they are involved in the local fishing industry. Sawyer’s photograph captures the daily life of working-class people, offering a glimpse into their lives at the turn of the 20th century. The composition is balanced, with the figures arranged across the dock and the boats in the background providing context for the scene. Sawyer’s work is known for its focus on social realism and this piece exemplifies his skill at capturing the human experience.