Illustration depicting a prisoner in his cell picking oakum, 1888 (engraving)

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Illustration depicting a prisoner in his cell picking oakum, 1888 (engraving)

5616304 Illustration depicting a prisoner in his cell picking oakum, 1888 (engraving); Universal History Archive/UIG

Media ID 38340304

© Universal History Archive/UIG / Bridgeman Images

Convict Criminal Jail Prison Oakum Punishment

EDITORS COMMENTS
This haunting engraving from 1888 captures the stark reality of life for a prisoner in his cell, tasked with the monotonous and laborious job of picking oakum. The image depicts a man hunched over his work, surrounded by the cold stone walls of his confinement. The act of picking oakum was a common form of punishment in prisons during the 19th century, requiring inmates to unravel old ropes into fibers that could be used for caulking ships or other manual labor tasks. This tedious and time-consuming task served as both a means of keeping prisoners occupied and breaking their spirits through mindless repetition. The artist's use of black and white adds to the somber atmosphere of the scene, emphasizing the harsh realities faced by those incarcerated within these walls. The detailed engraving captures every aspect of this bleak existence, from the prisoner's weary expression to the sparse surroundings that offer little comfort or hope. Through this illustration, we are given a glimpse into a world where individuals were stripped of their freedom and dignity, forced to endure hardship and suffering as punishment for their crimes. It serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost behind bars and challenges us to reflect on issues surrounding crime, punishment, and justice both then and now.

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