Standbeeld van de Zomer 1727

"Standbeeld van de Zomer", or "Statue of Summer," was rendered by Matthijs Pool in the 17th to 18th century. It's an engraving that captures the essence of summer through a classical lens. Pool invites us to consider the cultural obsession with idealizing nature and the female form. The statue is draped, yet the contours of her body are visible, embodying a sensuality that’s both celebrated and contained. Note how she’s adorned with a wreath of leaves, and the inclusion of what appears to be a bundle of wheat, marking her not just as a woman, but as an allegory for the season itself. This is a moment of both abundance and a quiet acknowledgement of the female body as part of the natural landscape. The emotional depth of this piece lies in its delicate balance. The figure exudes a sense of serene poise. It's a reflective piece, inviting us to consider our relationship to both nature and the human form as an integral part of it.