Zomer c. 1578 - 1582

This print, titled "Zomer" or "Summer," was made by Philips Galle in the Netherlands sometime in the late 16th century. It's an engraving, a medium that allowed for the wide distribution of images and ideas in early modern Europe. Looking at the image, we see a bustling scene of summer activities, from fishing to harvesting. These aren't just idyllic representations of peasant life, but reflect the economic realities of the time, with its dependence on agricultural labor. The print also subtly reinforces social hierarchies, with the laborers diligently working under the sun. Prints like this served a public role, conveying not just information, but also values and beliefs. Analyzing this print requires us to consider its place in the broader context of Dutch society, its economic structures, and its evolving artistic traditions. The historian can draw on a range of sources, from economic records to art treatises, to understand the complex meanings embedded in this seemingly simple image.