Autumnus 1565

Curator: This is Cornelis Cort's engraving, "Autumnus," dating from 1565. The work is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Wow, look at this burly dude overflowing with fruit! He’s got that "harvest is here" swagger, like a Greek god who's had one too many pumpkin spice lattes. Is that a zucchini hanging off his leg? Curator: Indeed. The figure is an allegorical representation of Autumn, abundant and ripe with the season's bounty. Notice the classicizing treatment of the body, the detailed musculature rendered through careful hatching and cross-hatching—it is characteristic of the period. Editor: I can almost smell the bruised apples! He looks so weighty, like he’s personally responsible for a bumper crop. But it's a bit much, no? The overabundance, slightly cartoonish face, is he winking at us, or is that just the engraving style? Curator: Perhaps a bit of both. The exaggerated features introduce a playful element amidst the classical idealism. Consider the arrangement of elements within the oval format. The overflowing cornucopia, the figures pose, the placement of the vessels create a harmonious asymmetrical whole that guides the eye around the scene. Editor: It’s certainly organized chaos. But that zucchini is stealing the show. Is it a fertility symbol or just an exceptionally large gourd? Curator: Most likely a symbol of the harvest’s prolific nature, representing the earth’s generous gifts. The entire composition is built on symbols; in short, “Autumnus” is meant to evoke reflection of both beauty and abundance in natural cycles. Editor: It definitely speaks of a bygone era of celebrating earthly pleasures. Today it just looks a bit camp. Like a strongman act in an amateur baroque revival play. Curator: Although tastes change across eras, our work today reminds us of nature’s cyclical beauty through artistic talent, that has never failed us to create pieces that connect us regardless of how we interpret them across eras. Editor: Maybe, and despite all that visual overload. "Autumnus," more like "Autumn-mess," am I right? Nevertheless, there's skill and charm and it reminds us to get into a warm sweater.