Summer c. 1546 - 1548

Jacopo Tintoretto’s painting, Summer, invites us into the opulence of 16th-century Venice. During the Renaissance, Venice was known for its wealth and its art was commissioned by the elite to reflect their status. Here, a reclining woman is framed within a rich landscape. The ripeness of the grapes, the full wheat stalks, even the parrot—a costly import—speak to an abundance which is echoed by the woman’s own body. Yet, this portrayal exists within a complex social hierarchy where the display of wealth and beauty was often at the expense of others. It’s worth considering how the woman's comfort and ease were supported by the labor and resources extracted from various social classes and lands. The woman's posture, the soft light on her skin, and the sensuous details of the scene create a sense of intimacy, as if we are invited to share in a private moment of repose. As you stand here, consider the complex layers of pleasure and privilege interwoven in this image, and perhaps ask yourself who is afforded such leisure, and at what cost?