The Wine 1840

François-Joseph-Aimé de Lemud made this print called 'The Wine,' but we don’t know exactly when. De Lemud, who was active in the 19th century, lived during a time of significant social and political change in France. Here, two men are caught in a moment of leisure and intimacy, where the act of pouring and sharing wine becomes symbolic. One man, relaxed in his chair with a cigar, represents a certain kind of masculinity, confident and assured, yet also reliant on the service of another. The second man is actively pouring the wine. We can see this interaction through the lens of class and labor. The act of pouring wine speaks to unspoken dynamics of dependency and privilege, while also highlighting the labor involved in maintaining such a lifestyle. The cards on the table suggest a world of gambling and perhaps risk-taking. Ultimately, 'The Wine' encourages us to reflect on these complex relationships and the subtle power dynamics at play.