March 16th-17th century

Curator: Aegidius Sadeler II’s engraving, "March," presents a fascinating snapshot of labor and society. The print, residing at the Harvard Art Museums, really captures a sense of industriousness. Editor: My first impression is how this image feels almost medieval, the light is so precisely rendered, and there are so many intricate scenes packed into a small space. Curator: Yes, and the imagery offers a glimpse into the social hierarchy and agricultural life; you see figures engaged in various tasks. How do you interpret the symbols, especially the Zodiac sign above? Editor: The Zodiac sign of Aries, the Ram, signals the arrival of spring, a period of renewed vitality, and reflects a specific cultural memory tied to astrology. Curator: I think that Sadeler is making a larger commentary on the cyclical nature of work and life within a societal structure that demands such physical labor from some, while others are exempt. Editor: I see the constant tension between the heavens, astrological influence, and the grounded reality of human existence. Curator: It shows that art is not just about aesthetics, it is about documenting societal realities and critiquing the status quo, making it deeply resonant even now. Editor: Yes, it’s a compelling reminder of how symbols continue to echo and affect our perceptions.