Oldtid - nutid no. 2 1821

"Oldtid - Nutid no. 2" (1821) by Gerhard Ludvig Lahde (1765-1833) is an etching that depicts a stark contrast between the past and present. On the left, a family sits under a tree in a idyllic setting, enjoying a peaceful moment with their children. On the right, a woman lies alone and ill in a dimly lit room, symbolizing hardship and suffering. The image reflects the anxieties of the era and the changing times in society, capturing the tension between idyllic past and bleak present. This artwork is a poignant commentary on the social conditions of the early 19th century, offering insight into the artist's perspective on societal change and the impact of modernization.