Herfst 1720 - 1775

This print, titled "Herfst", meaning Autumn in Dutch, was etched by an anonymous artist. The print encapsulates the essence of the season through a garden scene populated with cherubic figures, lush vegetation, and architectural elements. It's worth noting the prominence of the cherubs, or putti, and how they have historically been deployed to evoke themes of innocence and abundance, yet also function as symbolic representations of wealth and leisure. It is within this tension that this piece gains its meaning. In what ways does the garden depicted represent a space of privilege and abundance? How might the cherubic figures, traditionally associated with innocence, participate in a narrative that also alludes to class and status? This image, like the season it represents, presents a moment of transition. It invites us to reflect on how societal structures and cultural symbols shape our understanding and experience of the natural world.