Puck’s greeting to the new year (1898)

"Puck’s Greeting to the New Year" (1898) by Samuel Ehrhart is a vibrant and expressive illustration that humorously comments on the passage of time and the welcoming of the new year. This artwork vividly juxtaposes the old with the new through clever visual storytelling.On the left, we see a representation of the year going by—a figure resembling an old woman is seen zooming away on a bicycle, her face marked with the fatigue of the past months. She wields a broom and ushers in gusts of wind, illustrating the sweeping away of the old year. Surrounding her is a flurry of wind representing the turmoil and swift passage of time.In striking contrast, on the right side of the painting, a young, cheerful woman represents the incoming year 1898. She rides gracefully into the scene on a modern bicycle, embodying hope and freshness. Her attire is bright and colorful, indicating the positive energy and vibrant opportunities that the new year promises to bring. Blossoming flowers and lush greenery in the background underscore this sense of renewal and growth.At the center, adding a touch of whimsy and classical reference, a small figure of a cherub, possibly representing Puck, the mischievous sprite from folklore and Shakespeare, is seen bidding the old year farewell and welcoming the new. He lifts his hat in a gesture of greeting, symbolizing transition and change.Through this captivating illustration, Ehrhart not only showcases his artistic prowess but also encapsulates the perennial spirit of optimism that accompanies the turn of the year.