Zomer c. 1790 - 1820

Franz Gabet made this etching, titled 'Zomer' or 'Summer,' sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. In this period, the social and economic lives of the Netherlands were highly stratified, with a clear division between the urban elite and the rural working class. Gabet’s image subtly reflects these social divisions. On the left, we see figures associated with labor and transport, while on the right, two men recline, seemingly at leisure. The stark contrast between the two groups quietly acknowledges the socio-economic realities of the time. The presence of a horse-drawn cart also hints at the burgeoning market economy and the vital role of rural transport in supplying urban centers. To understand this artwork better, we might research the economic conditions of the Netherlands during Gabet’s lifetime, exploring tax records, trade statistics, and social commentary of the time. The meaning of art always depends on its social and institutional context.