Herfst 1595 - 1622

This is "Herfst," or "Autumn," made sometime in the 16th century by Hendrick van Schoel. It's an engraving – a print made by incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. This was a cutting-edge technology at the time. The image depicts the grape harvest, but notice how much labor is involved. Some figures gather grapes, while others press them into wine. Barrels are being loaded onto ships. And in the distance, we see a fortified town – a reminder of the power structures that governed this society. Van Schoel has used the engraving process to create a richly detailed scene, full of texture and depth. The lines create a sense of movement and energy. It’s a celebration of the abundance of autumn, but also a reminder of the hard work and social structures that make it possible. Seeing this, we can appreciate how deeply techniques like engraving are woven into the fabric of social life.