Zomer 1626

Herman Breckerveld etched "Zomer" around 1626, a Dutch word that translates to summer. The print presents a scene of leisure and travel during a period of significant social and economic change in the Netherlands. Breckerveld's work captures the era's emerging merchant class, whose wealth facilitated increased travel and leisure. The print reflects a society grappling with new ideas about social mobility and status. The contrast between the wealthy travelers in their horse-drawn carriage and the lone rider accompanied by a running figure hints at varying levels of privilege and access. The work provides a snapshot of the Dutch Golden Age. A period marked by unprecedented prosperity and a complex interplay of social classes, colonial expansion, and evolving cultural values. The seemingly idyllic scene invites us to consider who was included, and who was excluded, from this vision of summer.