Winter 1714 - 1762

This engraving, crafted by Jakob Wangner in the 18th century, presents a symbolic tableau of winter, rich with allegory. At its heart, we see an old man, personifying winter, draped in a heavy cloak and warmed by a brazier. Observe the presence of cherubic figures above, symbols of hope amidst the starkness of the season. This juxtaposition of youth and age, warmth and cold, is a recurring motif in art history. Consider the image of Chronos, or Father Time, often depicted as an aged man, sometimes winged, consuming or protecting children, reflecting anxieties about time's relentless passage. Here, the artist taps into a collective memory, a subconscious awareness of nature's cycles and the emotional weight of winter. The embrace of warmth in the face of cold speaks to our shared primal fears of the unknown, of death, and our deep-seated longing for renewal. It's a visual echo that transcends time, resurfacing in various guises to remind us of life's eternal dance.