August: Fishing c. 1700

Claude Simpol rendered "August: Fishing" in pen and brown ink with gray wash around the turn of the 18th century. A scene unfolds along a body of water with figures engaged in various activities. It is worth thinking about the hierarchy of labor and leisure on display. Some figures are immersed in the water, actively working, while others observe from the shore or relax in a boat. The division of labor suggests social distinctions. Those on the periphery, possibly of a higher social standing, are granted the privilege to observe rather than participate directly. Moreover, the clothing and hats worn by the figures mark them socially. These visual cues speak to identities rooted in class and profession. The act of fishing itself, while seemingly bucolic, has economic implications tied to sustenance, and perhaps, trade. The image invites us to think about the complex interactions between people and their environment and the silent markers of status embedded in everyday activities.