Oktober 17th century

This anonymous print, titled 'Oktober' in both Dutch and what appears to be an older variant of the language, offers a glimpse into the agrarian life of its time. The detailed woodcut depicts laborers engaged in the harvest; a visual record that reflects the societal structures and values of the period. In early modern Europe, the calendar was not merely a measure of time, but a cultural artifact that was deeply intertwined with the rhythms of agricultural life. The print presents an idealized view of rural labor, one that emphasizes the productivity and social harmony inherent in agricultural work. The imagery speaks to the centrality of farming in the economic and social order of the era. Yet it also prompts us to consider who is missing from the picture, what is not being represented. Are there marginalized communities present in the piece? The emotional resonance of 'Oktober' lies in its evocation of the cycle of nature, and perhaps, in the comfort of seasonal predictability. As we reflect on our own place in this cycle, the print invites us to consider our relationship to labor, land, and community.