Zomer 1682 - 1700

Jean Pesne created this print called ‘Zomer’ whose date is unknown, using etching on paper. In the print, bodies are actively engaged in summer agricultural labor, and stand as symbols of social and economic structures. The figures working in the fields represent the laboring class, who were essential to the agrarian economy of the 17th century. How does this relate to the world of the artist Jean Pesne? During the 1600's, Europe was experiencing significant social stratification. The print depicts a scene that highlights the seasonal rhythms of life, but also subtly comments on the socio-economic realities of the time. It invites us to consider the lives of those who lived and labored in rural settings. The print encourages an emotional connection to the past, reflecting the cyclical nature of life.