Winter 1921

J.J. Lankes created "Winter" as a wood engraving during the Regionalism movement in the early 20th century. Lankes, a printer and artist, lived through a period of vast social and economic change in America as it transitioned from a rural to an industrial nation. In "Winter," the monochromatic rendering strips the scene down to its basic forms, emphasizing the quiet stillness that is enforced upon the community by the elements. The composition invites us to consider the values and identities associated with rural life during this period. Through careful carving, Lankes creates a world that feels both familiar and distant. The starkness of the winter scene serves as a metaphor for the challenges and resilience of rural communities. What do you feel as you consider your own place in the world? How do you think it compares to that of Lankes and the people represented in this artwork? Lankes' "Winter" encourages us to consider the ways in which our sense of place shapes our identities and experiences, and how the natural world reflects our personal and collective histories.