King and Peasant c. 19th century

Editor: This is G. Treibmann's "King and Peasant," and I find the stark contrast between the working peasant and the regal figure intriguing. What can you tell me about the context surrounding this piece? Curator: This engraving portrays a staged encounter, common in 19th-century imagery, designed to reinforce social hierarchies. The king's presence, observing the peasant's labor, emphasizes power dynamics and the legitimization of royal authority through depictions of everyday life. How does the composition itself contribute to this message? Editor: The king is elevated, literally and figuratively, on horseback, overseeing the scene. It certainly highlights the power imbalance. Thank you, I didn't think about the power dynamics.