Gezicht op Château Calon-Ségur in Saint-Estèphe, Frankrijk before 1867

Alfred Danflou created this print of Château Calon-Ségur in Saint-Estèphe, France. It's a scene imbued with the cultural and economic power of wine production. Here, the image creates meaning through visual codes. The grand château is the focal point, symbolizing wealth, heritage, and the fruits of the land. This was made during a period of significant social stratification. Consider how the geographical location, fertile lands of France, intertwines with the social class of the vineyard owners. Political movements and economic structures dictate who profits from this labor. Institutional histories also play a role. Wine production can be seen as inherently conservative, upholding traditional values and hierarchies. Yet, it also faces critiques, especially regarding labor practices. To truly understand the significance of this artwork, historians delve into archives, economic records, and social commentaries of the time. Art is contingent on its social and institutional context.