The Kansas Sportsman: Leisure in the Great Plains

Description

This photograph captures a serene moment of a 19th-century gentleman in Onaga, Kansas, seated comfortably on a wooden bench. His attire is practical yet suited for the rugged outdoors, featuring a wide-brimmed hat, a sturdy jacket, and knee-high boots. Resting against his chest is a pinfire shotgun, while a cartridge belt filled with ammunition sits prominently across his waist. Beside him, a bottle and glass suggest a moment of leisure, possibly after a day's hunt. His loyal dog lies peacefully at his feet, further enhancing the quiet, companionable atmosphere of the scene. The architectural backdrop, combined with the rustic elements, presents an intriguing contrast between the wild spirit of hunting and the comforts of civilization, a common theme in 19th-century frontier life.