Group Showing the Present Condition of the Country

Emily Clayton Bishop, born Smithsburg, MD 1883-died Smithsburg, MD 1912 · ca. 1907-1910

In Emily Clayton Bishop’s Group Showing the Present Condition of the Country, the roughly carved figures appear to be wrestling. The larger figure stands over a smaller one on its hands and knees, possibly representing internal conflict or oppression. At the turn of the twentieth century, many Americans were concerned about the unbalanced relationship between poor laborers and the upper class. These inequalities gave rise to socialist and anarchist movements, and it is possible that Bishop’s sculpture reflects her sympathy for the working class.