October 1705 - 1766

This anonymous print, “October,” was made sometime in the 17th century and now resides in the Rijksmuseum. During this time, the Dutch Republic was at the height of its Golden Age, a period marked by unprecedented economic growth and cultural flourishing. Here, the artists depict two figures harvesting grapes in a lush vineyard, framed by decorative foliage and a zodiac symbol for Scorpio. The scene evokes a sense of abundance and prosperity, yet, who is laboring and who is benefiting from that labor? In the 17th century, class distinctions were sharply defined. The detailed depiction of manual labor suggests a celebration of rural life. But that romanticization often obscured the harsh realities faced by those who worked the land. The print is a small window into a world where visual beauty and social stratification intertwined. The piece invites us to consider the complex relationship between labor, representation, and the often-unseen hands that sustain prosperity.