Oktober 1722 - 1784

Simon Fokke made this print called 'Oktober' in the Netherlands in the 18th century. It was made with etching. The image shows people of different social classes performing various activities that reflect the time of year. The cultural context of the Dutch Republic is crucial to understanding the artwork. The scene is set in a time and place where the merchant class was becoming more powerful. The landscape represents a complex web of human intervention and natural elements, which reflects the Dutch mastery of hydraulic engineering and its economic reliance on waterways. The ruling class is represented by men in suits. Lower down on the social ladder, men are harvesting from the river. Fokke’s work invites us to reflect on the social and economic structures of his time, as well as the power dynamics embedded in everyday life. By researching Dutch social history and the art market of the 18th century, we can see the print as both a mirror and a critique of its society.