Against Orders: A gaoler bars a woman from the cell
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Against Orders: A gaoler bars a woman from the cell
A woman carrying a platter of food is barred from entering the jail cell where, we presume, her partner is incarcerated. The gaoler however, decked out in a jester-style costume, does not look particularly intimidating
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Media ID 4429847
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10270168
1869 Barred Bars Cell Entering Gaoler Incarcerated Jail Jester Locked Partner Platter Security
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image, titled "Against Orders: A gaoler bars a woman from the cell," depicts a poignant moment in the annals of criminal justice history. The photograph, taken in 1869, captures the tense interaction between a determined woman and a seemingly reluctant gaoler at the entrance of a jail cell. The woman, dressed in Victorian attire, carries a platter laden with food, presumably intended for her partner who is incarcerated within. Her expression conveys a mix of desperation and determination, as she attempts to enter the cell despite the gaoler's firm barring of her way. The gaoler, dressed in an unusual jester-style costume, stands between the woman and the cell, his expression unreadable. The jester's cap and bells, typically associated with merriment and entertainment, seem out of place in this somber scene. The gaoler's role as a guardian of the law is underscored by the heavy iron bars behind him, which serve as a stark reminder of the woman's powerlessness in the face of the law. The historical context of this image is significant. In the 19th century, visits from family members were often restricted or even forbidden in prisons, and smuggling food to inmates was a common form of contraband. This photograph offers a glimpse into the complex emotional dynamics of incarceration, as well as the role of authority figures in enforcing rules, even in the face of human need and desire. Overall, this image is a poignant reminder of the human cost of incarceration and the complex interplay of power, emotion, and justice in the criminal justice system.
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