October (one of a series representing the labors of the months) 1690

Jonas Umbach made this drawing, "October," using pen and brown ink. As part of a series representing the labors of the months, this work offers us a glimpse into the social realities of 17th-century Europe. The image depicts peasants harvesting grapes, a crucial economic activity in many regions. We see figures picking grapes, carrying baskets, and processing the harvest. The composition, with its emphasis on labor and rural life, reflects a broader interest in genre scenes and the lives of ordinary people, particularly within the context of European art markets. To understand this image fully, we might turn to agricultural records, economic histories, and studies of social class. These resources help us grasp the conditions of labor, the distribution of wealth, and the cultural values that shaped the production and reception of such images. Ultimately, "October" is not just a depiction of a specific activity, but a window into the socio-economic structures and cultural attitudes of its time.