Skraldemandshesten; Vinteren 1845

"Skraldemandshesten; Vinteren," or "The Dustman's Horse; Winter," was created by Adolph Kittendorff. The dimensions of this print are 277 mm by 362 mm. During the 19th century, the role of the dustman and their horses was essential for urban sanitation, but it also underscored the stark class divisions within society. Kittendorff’s print offers a glimpse into this world. On the left we see the dustman's horse standing wearily by a cart. A lone figure, presumably the dustman, stands beside them, his posture suggesting a life of labor. In contrast, the scene on the right depicts a woman and two children huddled near a stove, seeking warmth and comfort. Their humble surroundings speak volumes about their social standing and economic vulnerability. The stark juxtaposition invites reflection on the divergent experiences of individuals within the same society, separated by class and circumstance. Kittendorff asks us to consider the lives of those whose labor sustains the city.