Winter 1628 - 1689

Melchior Hamers created this etching, titled "Winter," offering us a glimpse into 17th-century social life. The piece reflects a society deeply shaped by class distinctions and cultural traditions. The central figures, ostentatiously dressed and mounted on donkeys, are immediately marked as members of the upper class, contrasting starkly with the more modestly attired onlookers. The choice of winter as the theme is not merely about the season; it's about the socio-economic realities of the time. Winter was a period of hardship, especially for the lower classes who struggled with cold and food scarcity. Hamers seems to be inviting us to reflect on the dynamics of power and privilege, and to think about how cultural performances can often reinforce existing social hierarchies. The emotional undercurrent here isn't just about seasonal change, but about the lived experiences of inequality. How do we reckon with these kinds of representations today?