September 1624 - 1645

Editor: Here we have "September," an etching, engraving, and print by Jan Gerritsz Swelinck, made sometime between 1624 and 1645. It depicts a very busy autumn scene in a village. I'm immediately drawn to the contrast between the foreground and the background— the figures in the front seem almost staged, while the village in the background appears to be bustling with activity. What stands out to you when you look at this piece? Curator: The most compelling aspect is indeed that contrast. Consider the figures in the foreground. Notice their robes, almost biblical in style, amidst this harvest scene. Swelinck layers meaning here. The villagers, gathering grapes and working the land, are timeless archetypes. While these archetypes seem secular, note the prominent placement of Libra at the top of the frame, a constant reminder of Justice’s scales which reflects our need to find inner balance within and amongst all aspects of daily life. Editor: Libra... that adds an interesting layer to the interpretation of this image! Can you tell me more? Curator: Surely. Libra as Justice. Look at the background: laborers harvesting. The cycle of labor is presented as inherently ordered. Swelinck draws upon a shared visual language, doesn't he? He leverages both sacred and secular understanding. And the verse in the bottom reminds the viewer, that we all reap what we sow. The symbols speak to the collective memory, reminding the audience about the importance of our actions. Does the work seem different now? Editor: It does. Now I see this isn’t just a genre painting, it is making a statement. The etching really uses symbols to deepen the meaning beyond the simple portrayal of September's harvest. I guess I looked too quickly at it. Curator: Exactly. Every element invites deeper consideration. Visual culture carries the weight of our history within it, offering insight into how societies understand themselves.