XXVI Goet voer, goe vaelt 1614

This engraving by Roemer Visscher, dating to the early 17th century, depicts a haystack and farming tools. It's a simple scene, rendered in the stark, graphic language of printmaking. The image focuses on the texture of the hay itself, evoking its roughness and density. But, importantly, it shows us the tools used to harvest and manage it. Look closely, and you'll see a rake, scythe, and pitchfork, each an extension of the farmer's hand. These are the instruments of labor, of course, and their presence in the image is a reminder of the toil required to bring in the harvest. The print isn't just about the beauty of the countryside. It speaks to the social context of agricultural life, the importance of good yields, and the labor necessary to achieve them. It reminds us that even the simplest image can be rich with meaning when we consider the materials, processes, and social context from which it emerged.