Zomer 1731 - 1788

Johann Esaias Nilson created this print called 'Zomer' or 'Summer' in the 18th century. The etching captures a scene that, on the surface, seems to depict a pastoral vision of leisure and abundance during summertime. However, looking closely, we can consider how Nilson's work reflects the social hierarchy of his time. The composition subtly contrasts the lives of the privileged and the working class. We see elegantly dressed figures relaxing by a fountain, while in the background, laborers are actively engaged in harvesting crops. This juxtaposition speaks volumes about the economic disparities inherent in 18th-century society, where the comfort of some was directly enabled by the labor of others. Nilson invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between labor, leisure, and social class. The artwork serves as a reminder of the historical conditions that have shaped our understanding of work and privilege. It encourages us to question the narratives we tell ourselves about progress and equality.