Summer, a woman, crowned with corn, standing in a cornfield with corn in her right hand and a scythe in her left hand, within a cartouche topped with corn, from 'The four Seasons' (Les quatre Saisons) 1638 - 1643

This print, 'Summer,' was made by Stefano della Bella in the 17th century using the intaglio process. Della Bella would have used a sharp tool to cut lines into a metal plate, likely copper. Ink would then be applied to the plate, pushed into the incised lines, and then the surface would be wiped clean. Finally, paper would be pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating the image. The very graphic quality of the artwork is influenced by the engraving process. Della Bella's expert use of line to create a sense of form, texture, and depth is apparent in the corn stalks, the figure's drapery, and the decorative cartouche. This print is part of a series on the four seasons, a popular subject in art history. The subject of a bountiful harvest is intertwined with labor, skill, and tradition. By considering the cultural significance of agriculture and the skilled labor required to produce such a print, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artwork. This challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft.