November 14 - 1788

This colour print, "November," was made in London in 1788 by William Nelson Gardiner and published by S. Medley. It’s an image of rural labour, showing peasants gathering firewood for the winter months. The image presents a carefully constructed view of the countryside, one that reinforces social hierarchies. Note the idealized figures, who are engaged in productive labour, but who also seem untouched by poverty or hardship. Consider how the image is framed within an oval, a shape often associated with portraits of the aristocracy. The figures are picturesque, reinforcing a romanticized vision of rural life. The landscape seems tamed and ordered, suggesting a harmonious relationship between people and nature. Looking at this print in its time, we can ask what role such images played in shaping the perceptions of the English countryside and its inhabitants, particularly at a time of great social and economic change. Art historians can consult prints, books, and other visual materials from the period to learn more about the social and cultural context in which this image was made and circulated.