Gust of Wind (Un coup de vent) 

Alphonse Legros made this etching, "Gust of Wind", during a time of significant social upheaval in France. The mid-19th century was marked by rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to widespread poverty and displacement of rural populations. In the image, two figures battle against the elements, their bodies bent against the wind, which becomes a metaphor for the relentless forces shaping their lives. We are drawn into the physical and emotional struggle of these individuals, and recognize a certain vulnerability. Legros, who was deeply affected by the plight of the working class, often depicted scenes of peasant life with a sense of empathy and social consciousness. "Gust of Wind" reflects the realities faced by many during this period. It serves as a poignant commentary on the human condition amidst broader social and economic transformations.