Summer 1643 - 1644

Wenceslaus Hollar created this print, titled "Summer," which is now held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Hollar was a Bohemian printmaker active in the 17th century, a time when art was deeply entwined with social and political life. Here, Hollar presents us with an allegorical representation of summer, embodied by a woman. Her attire and accessories speak volumes about the cultural norms and the societal roles of women during this period. The clothing, while ostensibly decorative, hints at the constraints placed upon women, particularly those of the upper class. The fan becomes a symbol of both luxury and a tool to navigate the discomfort of the season, offering a slight respite from the heat. The print invites us to consider the historical context in which ideas about beauty, femininity, and class were being shaped, and how these continue to resonate in contemporary society. It serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal experience and broader social narratives.