Autumn 1620 - 1670

This is 'Autumn,' an engraving made by Grégoire Huret in France, sometime in the mid-17th century. Huret's print is more than just a seasonal personification; it's a commentary on the cultural values of his time. Look closely, and you'll see the figure is adorned with grapes and vine leaves, symbols of abundance and the harvest. But notice also her elaborate dress and carefully styled hair, signifiers of wealth and status in the court of Louis XIV. Engravings like these, with their allegorical figures and classical references, were very popular among the French elite. They served to reinforce the social hierarchy, associating the ruling class with notions of beauty, prosperity, and divine right. Yet, by studying such images and the context in which they were produced, we can gain valuable insights into the social and political dynamics of the era. Documents from the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture can help us explore the ways in which artists like Huret negotiated the demands of patronage and the expectations of their audience.