November 1722 - 1784

Simon Fokke created this print entitled 'November' sometime in the 18th century. It offers a glimpse into the intricate relationship between the Dutch and their landscape. In this period, the Netherlands was a society deeply influenced by its relationship with the natural world, especially in how it shaped their identity and economy. The detailed depiction of a windmill against a wintery sky isn't just picturesque. It acknowledges the crucial role these structures played in land reclamation and economic activity. The two figures and their foraging swine reflect rural life, but also broader themes of labor, class, and survival. Here, Fokke invites us to consider how people interacted with their environment to sustain themselves, mirroring the complex interplay between human agency and environmental constraints. This engraving is not just an image, but a reflection on the relationship between the Dutch and their world.