Horse-drawn vehicles 

Hugo Mühlig painted this watercolor artwork, entitled 'Horse-drawn vehicles', at an unknown date. Mühlig lived through the unification of Germany, a period marked by rapid industrialization and social change. The artwork, with its detailed depiction of rural life, seems to long for simpler times. Mühlig's decision to focus on the lives of those outside the industrial centers may reflect a conscious choice to highlight the experiences of a segment of society often overlooked in mainstream narratives of progress. We see laborers traveling in horse-drawn carriages, moving across a sparse and rugged landscape. The painting encourages us to reflect on how representations of labor and rural life contribute to broader narratives about national identity, class, and belonging. It invites viewers to consider the diverse experiences and perspectives that shape our understanding of history and society. How does this image speak to you about the nature of progress, and who gets left behind?