Still Life; Herrings 

Albrecht Anker's "Still Life; Herrings" presents a humble meal, likely painted in the late 19th century in Switzerland, a period of significant social and economic change. Anker’s choice of subject matter, a simple meal of fish, bread, and beer, speaks volumes about the lives of ordinary people. Unlike the grand historical or mythological scenes favored by academic painting, Anker focuses on the everyday. This shift reflects a growing interest in realism and a desire to represent the lives of the working class. Switzerland, at this time, was undergoing industrialization, leading to shifts in social structures and class dynamics. Anker's art can be seen as a commentary on these changes, highlighting the dignity and value of the common person. To understand this work more fully, we can turn to archives, social histories, and records of Swiss cultural life from the period. By doing so, we appreciate the importance of art in reflecting the social conditions of its time.