Autumn 16th-17th century

Curator: This is Raphael Sadeler the Elder's "Autumn," a captivating print held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's a dense, almost claustrophobic composition, teeming with figures. The textures achieved through the engraving process are striking, especially on the animals. Curator: The scene depicts the grape harvest, a traditional symbol of autumn's bounty and a recurring motif in art reflecting seasonal cycles. The activity suggests a sense of communal labor and prosperity. Editor: Exactly. It also highlights the physical processes – the treading, gathering, and hauling – all manual labor. Look at the oxen; the animals are part of this agricultural system. Curator: Indeed. Notice how the details like the overflowing baskets and the figures' postures reinforce the notion of abundance. The image is laden with signs of fecundity and hard work. Editor: Engravings like this also had a distributive function. Multiple copies could circulate widely, conveying ideas about labor and land in a pre-photographic era. Curator: It's a powerful image that transcends its historical context, reminding us of humanity's enduring relationship with nature. Editor: It makes you consider the sheer effort required to bring food to the table, something we often take for granted.