November before 1566

Etienne Delaune created this print titled "November", now at the Rijksmuseum, using etching techniques that allow for delicate and intricate details. At first glance, you're drawn to the contrasting textures, from the smooth bodies of the pigs to the rough foliage, all set within an elaborate border. The composition unfolds as a series of signs, each laden with cultural meaning. In the foreground, a cluster of pigs dominates, symbolizing the autumnal fattening of livestock for the coming winter. Juxtaposed with them, the shepherd, a conventional pastoral figure, occupies a middle ground along with another figure who is cooking. Delaune uses these elements not merely as representations but as signifiers. The animals signify abundance, the shepherd points to care and cultivation, and the whole scene evokes the cyclical nature of time and seasons. The decorative border, rich with hunting scenes and emblems, functions as a frame and commentary. It situates the central image within a broader cultural discourse about labor, nature, and the passage of time. It’s a symbolic architecture that, by layering image upon image, reflects the complex interplay between nature and culture in the 16th century.