Londonske bryggerkarle 1864

Franz Wilhelm Obermann created this print, "London Brewers," using engraving, a process of cutting lines into a metal plate. The image presents a scene of everyday labor, offering a glimpse into the social and economic structures of 19th-century London. The brewery workers, along with their horses, are central to the booming beer industry in England. The visual codes employed here, such as the workers’ attire and the heavy load, speak to the physical demands of labor. The role of the brewery was a significant part of London’s economy, and prints like these provide insight into the lives of the working class. The inclusion of the dog is interesting, and maybe a sign of the sentimental attitude some had towards animals. To understand this work more fully, one might research London's industrial history and the role of the brewery. Historical records, newspapers, and archives of businesses from the period could offer further insight into the social context of the artwork.