September 1 - 1793

Here, in Francesco Bartolozzi's "September," we observe a scene brimming with symbols of harvest and plenty. The women gathering hops evoke ancient harvest rituals, celebrations of nature's bounty, deeply rooted in our collective memory. The hop, in its twining ascent, mirrors the human spirit's striving and connection to the earth. This symbol, however, is not confined to this idyllic scene. Across time, similar motifs appear in various guises, from the cornucopia of Roman art to the grape harvests depicted in medieval tapestries, each echoing humanity's enduring relationship with the land. Consider the psychological weight of this image. The act of harvesting, passed down through generations, taps into a deep, subconscious yearning for sustenance and security. The composition, with figures intertwined amongst the abundant foliage, conveys a sense of communal joy and shared purpose, engaging viewers on an emotional level. The hop, therefore, transcends its botanical form, resurfacing through history as a symbol of abundance, community, and the cyclical rhythms of life.