Mei 17th century

This 17th century woodcut, "Mei/Nieuwen Stijl", depicts a scene of people in a boat with a rising sun in the background. The artist, who remains anonymous, uses a stark black-and-white style to illustrate the figures and the choppy water. The image is small in size, yet it effectively conveys the theme of a journey and a new beginning, possibly symbolizing the advent of a new season or a fresh start. The "Nieuwen Stijl" text above the scene suggests a connection to the new style calendar that was adopted in the Netherlands around this time. The work offers a glimpse into the visual culture of its era, particularly the use of woodcuts for illustration and the growing interest in symbolism.