Rules For Women

Home can symbolize various concepts; shelter, family, compassion, warmth.

These photographs originate from 19th century anonymous class plate negatives.

The family dynamics of that time were heavily influenced by a rigid separation of male and female roles in society. The term Cult of True Womanhood, introduced by historian Barbara Welter, refers to the indoctrination of specific behavioral traits in women. These traits include Piety, Purity, Submissiveness, and Domesticity.

Women were expected to embody the roles of mother, wife, educator, housekeeper, nurse, cook, and seamstress.

However, she possessed no rights within her home; legally, she was considered her husband's property. In truth, nothing was hers, not even her children. I have named this series Rules For Women. I employ the diptych format to illustrate the contrast between perception and reality.

2018-2020

Approx. 48”x16 1/2”

Archival Pigment Prints

Edition of 10

$ 1700. ea.