Die Rosenzeit c. 1864

“Die Rosenzeit,” or “The Time of Roses,” was painted by Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, likely in the mid-19th century. Waldmüller, who was Austrian, focused on genre scenes depicting peasant life, often romanticizing rural existence. Here, we see a young couple in what seems to be a moment of tenderness. The woman gently reaches for a child held by the man, who is pausing from his work with oxen. Waldmüller's work evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, pre-industrial life. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that these idyllic portrayals often glossed over the harsh realities of peasant labor and the rigid social hierarchies of the time. His paintings raise questions about the representation of labor, gender roles, and the idealization of rural life. What feelings are conjured for you when viewing this painting? Does it evoke comfort, or discomfort?