Winter 1652 - 1711

Henri Bonnart made this print titled "Winter," but its date is unknown. It depicts a woman from the French upper class, sitting by a fireplace, away from the deprivations of the season. This image encapsulates the vast social inequalities that were typical of ancien regime France. The setting, a comfortable interior, indicates that this woman belongs to a privileged social class and the print would have been made for people who were similarly privileged. The imagery of the print relies on visual codes like clothing and setting to denote social status. The caption reminds the viewer that not everyone can afford to be unbothered by winter’s challenges. The print medium itself also provides an important piece of institutional context. The widespread availability of prints made them important tools for political and social commentary during the period. Art historians consult sources such as estate inventories and fashion plates to learn more about the cultural meanings of images such as this one.