Augustus before 1566

Etienne Delaune’s *Augustus* depicts the month of August, a significant period for harvesting crops. The central scene showcases a group of people gathering sheaves of grain in a field, while a dog watches over the activity. A rustic farmhouse with an outbuilding is set further back, suggesting a rural setting. The elaborate frame features two cherubs, a cornucopia filled with fruits, and a scrolled banner with a Latin inscription. Delaune was a notable French engraver known for his series of prints depicting the twelve months, and this artwork represents a fine example of his expertise in the intricate detailing of the human form, landscape, and objects, typical of the Mannerist style.