Ovale medaillons met de maanden Mei en Juni c. 1630 - 1635

These oval medallions depicting the months of May and June were etched by Bartholomeus van Lochom in the 17th-century Netherlands. The prints represent a distinctive visual language. The image for May shows a bustling seaside scene with a sailing vessel. In June, we see a shepherd or farmer resting in a field. The prints remind us of the Netherlands' reliance on both seafaring trade and agriculture for its prosperity. The imagery creates meaning through its connection to the economic and social structures of its time. Such prints were often made for the purpose of scientific documentation, but the inclusion of people and seasonal activities speaks to the public role of art in shaping perceptions of the world. To better understand these prints, we can turn to economic and social histories of the Netherlands, as well as the records of institutions like the Dutch East India Company. These resources help us contextualize the art.