Al de vier getyden praalen / In deez' tafereelenpragt [(...)] 1715 - 1813

This print, titled "All four tides shine," was created by A. Robyn, though the exact date is unknown. The print allegorically represents the four seasons, each within its own framed vignette. Prints like this circulated widely, offering moral lessons and social commentary. The seasons here become metaphors for the stages of human life, from the spring of youth to the winter of old age and death. Consider the emotional weight of such a cyclical view of existence during a time when life expectancy was much lower, and infant mortality was high. The artist, A. Robyn, remains somewhat elusive to us today. Yet, in this print, Robyn invites the viewer to lift up their heart and pay attention to the sweet youth, and this encourages a reflection on how we experience time and transition. Despite the seemingly neutral theme, it’s important to remember that access to art and education was often determined by class and gender. Therefore, the act of creating and interpreting art was not always available to everyone.