Winter c. 1790 - 1820

This is Franz Gabet's etching, 'Winter', made in the late 18th or early 19th century. It presents a bustling winter scene, where we see figures skating, socializing, and laboring on a frozen waterway. Gabet was working during a time of significant social upheaval in Europe, from revolution, to industrialization and urbanization. His work gives a fascinating glimpse into everyday life, where class distinctions were deeply embedded in the social fabric. The laborers hauling goods, compared to the gentry in their fine coats, demonstrates the economic disparities of the era. While seemingly a straightforward depiction of winter activities, we can also consider the emotional undercurrents of the scene. The laboring figures remind us of the physical demands placed on the working class, while the skaters suggest leisure and privilege. 'Winter' provides us with a narrative about labor, leisure, and the lived experience of different social classes during this transformative period.