Lente: vijf naakte kinderen spelen met vogels 1671

Matthias Scheits made this etching, “Spring: Five Naked Children Playing with Birds,” sometime in the 17th century in Germany. The scene is a playful allegory of springtime, but it reflects the socio-economic realities of its time. Notice the visual codes: the cherubic children evoke classical imagery but also highlight contemporary ideas about childhood innocence and vulnerability. Germany was undergoing significant social changes, with urbanization and shifting family structures. The image idealizes a pastoral, carefree existence, perhaps as a reaction to these changes. The presence of birds could symbolize freedom but also the fragility of life, themes often explored in the art of this period. Art historians often consult period literature, social records, and even economic data to better understand the contexts of such artworks. By examining these resources, we gain insight into how artists like Scheits responded to and shaped the cultural narratives of their time.