Winter 1670 - 1713

Pieter Schenk created this print, "Winter," around the turn of the 18th century using the mezzotint technique. It exemplifies the period’s allegorical approach to representing the seasons. Here, winter is embodied by a woman, elegantly dressed and seated on a sled. A cupid figure is attempting to light a fire, but the mood is far from warm; it's a poignant depiction of the season's starkness. The portrayal of women in allegorical roles provides insight into the period's gendered expectations. This print both reflects and reinforces the era's social hierarchy. While seemingly traditional, Schenk's piece offers a moment to consider the complex layers of identity and representation in art. It invites us to think about the experiences and stories that are often unseen, or unheard in these historical depictions.