Vier boeren drinken in een kroeg 1837

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet made this print, depicting four peasants drinking in a tavern, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Through his choice of subject matter, Charlet offers a commentary on the social structures of his time. Focusing on the lives of ordinary people, Charlet presents a scene that is both humorous and insightful. The image creates meaning through visual codes, referencing the culture of taverns and drinking, which was often associated with the lower classes. The scene offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of peasants in 19th-century France, reflecting the social conditions that shaped artistic production. Was it self-consciously conservative or progressive? Understanding the image requires a critical examination of the social and institutional contexts in which it was created. Historians can use resources such as archival documents, social histories, and cultural studies to gain a deeper understanding of the role of art in shaping social norms and challenging existing power structures.