Monatsbild Oktober, oben rechts das Zeichen des Skorpions c. 1622

Matthäus Merian the Elder created this drawing, *Monatsbild Oktober*, using pen and brown ink with grey wash. The composition is structured by a winding road and a river, leading the eye towards a distant church spire. The subdued palette, dominated by grey washes, evokes a sense of autumnal melancholy. Merian’s use of line is precise yet delicate, defining the architectural forms of the buildings and the contours of the landscape. The scene is punctuated by human figures and animals, rendered with a sense of everyday activity. The inclusion of the zodiac sign for Scorpio in the upper right corner signals this work as part of a larger series, each representing a month of the year. The drawing transcends mere representation; it engages with broader cultural codes related to astrology, time, and the changing seasons. It asks us to consider how these elements are intertwined and reflected in the visual arts. The careful rendering of space and depth invites contemplation on the relationship between humanity and the natural world.