Wine Press c. 1759

Hubert Robert rendered this drawing of a wine press with red chalk. The wine press, a symbol of transformation and extraction, speaks volumes about the cyclical nature of life and the potential for renewal. Consider how this act of pressing and squeezing appears in other, less literal contexts. The motif of applying relentless force to extract something valuable also appears in religious iconography, in depictions of martyrdom and sacrifice, where suffering is the mechanism through which salvation is achieved. Here, the collective labor of the workers echoes ancient rituals. They are engaged in a timeless process that transforms humble grapes into something precious. Such scenes tap into our collective memory. The act of transformation, be it through the wine press or personal trials, resonates deeply, reminding us of the inherent human capacity to endure, adapt, and create anew.