Zomer 1709

Editor: Here we have Bernard Picart’s 1709 engraving, "Zomer," also known as “Summer”. It's rendering of a statue – based on the inscription below it -- located in Versailles.. There’s such a stark, classical stillness about it, heightened by the stark lines of the engraving. I'm intrigued by the figure’s serene expression contrasted with the sickle. What’s your take on this? Curator: That sickle is key, isn't it? It gives me a shiver of something powerful, reminding me of the seasonal cycle, life, death, and the bounty of the harvest. Engravings like this offered a wide viewership access to what Versailles contained. The sharp lines and cool detachment of the medium paradoxically bring that sculpture, and its meaning, to life. Does that make sense? Editor: It does. So the engraving itself almost acts as a filter, preserving a moment but also distancing us from the "real" thing. I see it also connects her with the passage of time. Curator: Exactly! Think of summer, with its long days and sense of abundance, always fleeting, leading into autumn. I imagine the artist wants us to dwell on the constant shift, the poetry in change. It’s about what stays with us, not just the sensory overload of the present moment. Are you drawn to her stillness? Editor: Yes, her composure makes more sense now. She knows what's coming but remains dignified in her stance, timeless despite being temporal.. Thanks for putting it in perspective. Curator: My pleasure. It's artworks like these that keep us guessing, nudging us towards something more profound about ourselves and the world. A gentle but profound summer breeze!