September 1549 - 1591

This small, anonymous print, titled 'September', offers us a glimpse into the cultural understanding of time and labor. Made with etching, it situates itself in a tradition of representing the months or seasons through allegorical figures and their associated activities. Here, we see a man, perhaps a personification of September, resting beside a bountiful basket, laden with the harvest's yield. Look closer, and you will see the background evokes the fields ready for plowing. Consider how this image might reflect the lived experiences of laborers in agrarian societies, where the rhythms of life were intimately tied to the seasons. This image creates a narrative around the identities and histories of those who toiled to bring in the harvest. This print invites us to consider how we relate to the natural world and how different cultures have sought to capture the essence of time. It serves as a reminder of our connection to the earth, a connection often obscured in our contemporary lives.