Swiss Peasants of the Bailiwick of Morat
1774
Step into 1774 Switzerland with this lively scene of peasants from the Murten region taking a well-deserved break. Two men, dressed in matching dark coats with stylish red piping, are gathered around a giant wooden barrel, toasting with small cups while a third figure busily writes on a paper atop the cask—maybe keeping a tally of the drinks? The label '500' on the barrel is a bit of a mystery, perhaps a price or a volume measure. In the foreground, wooden skis lie ready for use, reminding us that even in the 18th century, the Swiss knew how to balance hard work with a good drink and winter sports.
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