Winter

Art Historical Context

Created in 17th-century France, this engraving titled *Winter* reflects the period’s fascination with allegorical depictions of the seasons. Artists Gilles Rousselet, Grégoire Huret, and publisher Pierre Mariette collaborated on the print, a common practice in the thriving Parisian printmaking trade. The medium of engraving allowed intricate details to be reproduced affordably, spreading images of seasonal life and domestic comfort to a wider audience beyond the aristocracy. The composition centers on women gathered near fireplaces, evoking warmth and indoor refuge during the cold months. These elements highlight everyday rituals while subtly celebrating domestic virtue, a popular theme in Baroque-era imagery. Measuring just under 12 by 8 inches, the sheet’s intimate scale suits private collections or albums, where viewers could appreciate the fine linework and tonal contrasts achieved through careful engraving techniques. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1953 through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, the print preserves a vivid glimpse into 17th-century French visual culture and the collaborative world of print production.

About the Artist

Gilles Rousselet|Grégoire Huret|Pierre Mariette (French|French|Italian) · 1614 |1614 |1575 –1686 |1686 |1642

French, Paris 1614–1686 Paris|French, Paris 1614–1686 Paris|Italian, Bologna 1575–1642 Bologna