The Hare Bearer c. 19th century

Editor: This is "The Hare Bearer" by Best et Cie, an engraving. The scene feels very staged; I wonder about the story behind it. How do you interpret this work in its historical context? Curator: The composition suggests a moment of social observation. Consider how images like this circulated – were they meant to be satirical commentary on class dynamics, or perhaps romanticized views of everyday life? What does the presence of the hare signify in that era? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't thought about the role of images and class in that way. I am looking at this as a moment of people selling and buying animals for food. Curator: Precisely, and that's the value of considering history; it transforms our understanding. Editor: I learned a lot! Thank you for your perspective.