Description
Offered here is a powerful and historically important 1938 real photo postcard titled “NC Cotton Picker,” part of the GP series by noted Southern photographer Bayard Wootten. Postmarked and handwritten, this postcard captures a moment in time that reflects the harsh realities and resilience of rural Southern life during the late Great Depression.
Wootten, one of the first professional female photographers in the South, was known for her ability to document African American life and rural labor with dignity and authenticity. Her photographs often served as social documents, and this image is a poignant example-likely depicting a field worker amid the cotton harvest in or near Asheboro, North Carolina.
Key points of significance:
* Original 1938 postmarked postcard with handwritten message
* From the GP-4 series by Bayard Wootten, a pioneering female Southern photographer
* Strong documentary image reflective of Southern agricultural life
* Real photo postcard (RPPC), not a printed reproduction
* Rare subject matter with deep historical and cultural value
Wootten’s real photo postcards are increasingly scarce, especially those highlighting rural labor themes. This piece combines visual artistry with social history, making it a compelling item for collectors of African American history, Southern Americana, early photography, and women in the arts.
Condition: Very good vintage condition with clear photographic detail. Some expected edge wear from handling and mailing. The reverse side features a personal message and a dated postal cancellation, adding to its authenticity.
