Winter 1587 - 1595

Curator: This engraving, "Winter," made between 1587 and 1595 by Johann Sadeler I, gives us a glimpse into life during the Northern Renaissance. It’s quite striking, don't you think? Editor: Absolutely. The way Sadeler depicts the harsh realities of winter through this bustling scene is remarkable. The intricate detail of the engraving really draws you in. The daily labor is apparent. What stands out to me is the depiction of labor—both human and animal—in such a stark setting. What aspects of this piece do you find most compelling? Curator: The power dynamic implied by the production process here is key. Look at how resources and materials shape people's daily routines: gathering firewood, tending to animals. How does the artistic production itself—the engraving— mirror these processes of labor and material transformation? The physical labor required to create an engraving must have been demanding. Do you consider engraving to be “high art”? Editor: That’s a fascinating point. Thinking about the labor involved in creating this engraving…the precision, the repetition... It mirrors the agricultural and domestic labor depicted. It makes you question what’s considered "skilled" versus "unskilled" labor. There’s almost a democratization of process in a way. Curator: Exactly! The availability of materials shaped artistic output, and artistic production reflected social realities. Consider what kinds of tools or supplies an artist like Sadeler could or could not obtain. How does materiality affect the subject being captured? The themes he presented of daily life were equally defined by means of material culture and labor. Editor: I’ve never considered the socioeconomic context in that much detail. Thinking about the work that went into the engraving itself as a form of labor tied to broader socioeconomic forces changes my whole perspective. Curator: I hope this experience helped us better connect the material world and culture of 16th century life through Johann Sadeler's skilled hands and craft. Editor: Yes, looking at "Winter" with a focus on materials and means of production really made me rethink my understanding of the piece. Thank you!