November 16th-17th century

Curator: Aegidius Sadeler II created this engraving, "November," sometime between his birth in 1568 and death in 1629. It's a rather small plate, about 22 by 28 centimeters, and it's part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It immediately evokes a sense of late autumn to me, a time of preparation and quiet industry before winter’s arrival. The landscape feels very active, filled with people and animals busily working. Curator: Consider how the artist uses the medium of engraving to depict the various textures and activities associated with this time of year. We see figures tending to livestock, perhaps preparing for slaughter, while others are engaged in what seems like domestic tasks. Editor: And it's not just about the action; the material reality of it all comes through. The focus on labor, the textures of the animals' hides, and the rough clothing of the figures highlight the physicality of life at that time. The way engravers and printmakers were able to disseminate imagery and inform public perception is fascinating. Curator: Absolutely. Sadeler's "November" reminds us of the complex interplay between artistic representation, agricultural practice, and the socio-economic realities of the period. Editor: It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "harvesting history."