Herfst c. 1550 - 1580

This print, titled ‘Herfst’ and made by Jean Hogenberg, encapsulates the European cultural landscape that was steeped in classical allegories. Here we see a celebration of autumn through symbols drawn from Greco-Roman traditions. Personified figures act as bearers of classical culture, and reflect the era's elite fascination with antiquity and mythology. It’s a visual landscape where nature, in its abundance, is mediated through the lens of classical thought. However, this piece also sits at the intersection of nature and culture. The cornucopia of autumnal bounty is displayed by mythological creatures, indicating the influence of the natural world, which is being celebrated through the cultural norms of classical tradition. The piece invites us to consider how we have historically framed our understanding of the seasons and the natural world through the cultural narratives that define our identities.