Maart 1568

Etienne Delaune created this engraving, “Maart,” in the 16th century. Enclosed in an oval, the scene presents a tableau of domestic activity rendered with a sharp, precise line. The composition, though small, is rich in detail. The print depicts an interior where figures gather around a table set with food and drink. The formal structure of the image is carefully balanced, using a semiotic system of signs: a man pours wine, drawing the eye across the scene, while another figure warms himself by a fire in the background. Above, a classical scene unfolds in the clouds, perhaps alluding to the season’s astrological associations. Delaune uses the confines of the oval to create a sense of contained space, yet the density of the etching gives the image a dynamic, bustling quality. Consider the line work that defines each element, from the folds of the clothing to the texture of the walls. This attention to detail and form situates the work within the context of the period’s broader artistic and philosophical interests. It challenges our reading of domestic scenes and allows the viewer to contemplate themes of labour and leisure.