September: wijn maken (weegschaal) 1575 - 1613

Editor: Here we have Antonio Tempesta’s "September: wijn maken (weegschaal)," an engraving from between 1575 and 1613, currently residing in the Rijksmuseum. The old engraving style gives it this fascinatingly busy feel, almost buzzing with activity! It also feels like such an idealized image of labor, do you get that impression? What draws your eye when you look at this work? Curator: Idealized, certainly, but busy in a way that reflects life's persistent hum, I'd say. The layered depth pulls me in: laborers pressing grapes contrasted with this seated woman, perhaps a muse, attending to her spindle. Consider that curious placement of Libra, the scales, overhead – a nod to September's zodiac? Or could it represent the careful balance required for a bountiful harvest, and maybe even, the balance needed in life itself? Do you notice how the buildings, though simple, seem perched on a hill suggesting order emerging out of nature? Editor: I hadn't considered the balance aspect represented by the scales - very clever! I love that the architecture suggests order coming from nature, I never noticed that! Curator: Consider too that the buildings in the distance contrast so dramatically with the working scene right beside us. It’s this subtle conversation that reveals so much of our history! Editor: The details feel infinite – it's as though you could fall right into the artwork. Thanks for expanding my perspective. Curator: Absolutely! Engaging with art, especially something like this, is always a reminder of how interconnected our world and history are. Now go, and get a taste of September!