Prosit! 1886

Robert Koehler, a German-American artist, created this print, Prosit!, using etching on paper. Koehler emigrated to the U.S. at a young age. He later returned to Europe to study art in Munich, which was a popular destination for American artists seeking formal training. Here, we see a man and woman, likely a couple, seated across from each other at a table, raising their glasses in a toast. The details of their clothing and the interior setting suggest a modest, rural life. Koehler's work often depicted scenes of everyday life, reflecting his interest in Realism, a movement that sought to portray the world accurately, focusing on the lives of ordinary people. The act of toasting can be seen as a simple moment of connection, suggesting shared values, but is rooted in complex rituals. Koehler invites us to reflect on the beauty and dignity of working-class life, while subtly commenting on the social and economic conditions of his time.