Nude children and a dog warming themselves by a fire; an allegory of Winter, after a bas-relief on the Fontaine des Quatre-Saisons (Paris) 1745 - 1800

This anonymous etching, dated between 1745 and 1800, depicts an allegorical scene of winter. Four nude children huddle around a fire, seeking warmth, while a dog rests nearby. The scene is based on a bas-relief from the Fontaine des Quatre-Saisons in Paris, a famous fountain depicting the four seasons. The etching's delicate lines and detailed depiction of the children's anatomy create a sense of vulnerability and emphasize the harshness of winter. This print is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.