July n.d.

Cornelis Dusart created this print, "July," in the Netherlands, sometime between 1660 and 1704, using etching and engraving. It depicts rural laborers during the summer harvest. Prints like this were part of a larger visual culture, reflecting and shaping perceptions of rural life. While seemingly a simple depiction of labor, the image carries social weight. The central figure playfully hoists hay, while another seems to have knocked a female figure to the ground. Is this innocent play, or does it reveal something about the social dynamics of the time? Institutions like the Haarlem Guild of Saint Luke, where Dusart was a member, played a crucial role in standardizing artistic training and production. Prints circulated widely, shaping tastes and influencing artistic trends. To fully understand this work, we delve into the visual codes, the printmaking culture, and the socio-economic context of the Dutch Golden Age. Through careful research, we can unlock the complex meanings embedded within this seemingly simple scene.