Winter c. 1578 - 1582

This engraving called 'Winter' was created by Philips Galle in the late 16th century. We see gathered figures inside a home, with people working, cooking, and warming themselves by the fire. All around the oval composition, figures slumber, representing the dormancy of winter. The hearth, centrally located, becomes a potent symbol. The fire, a life-giving force, has been central to human survival since time immemorial. Across cultures, the hearth has represented not only warmth, but also community, security, and domesticity. Consider the cyclical nature of such symbols. The hearth, much like the maternal womb, offers comfort. It can even be traced back to ancient Roman hearth goddesses like Vesta, who represented the state's security. The fire’s flickering light hints at the warmth and vitality that persist, even in the heart of winter’s darkness. This evokes primal, collective memories of warmth, safety, and communal living passed down through generations. This universal motif of the hearth and its promise of refuge are powerfully resonant.