Maart 1705 - 1766

This unsigned print called "Maart," meaning March, was made in 1802, and it offers us a glimpse into Dutch life and visual culture of the time. Framed by elaborate rococo ornamentation, we see a lone figure trudging through a sparse landscape, gun in hand, perhaps hunting. The barren trees suggest the tail end of winter, while the emerging sunlight hints at the promise of spring. The image speaks to the close relationship the Dutch had with their environment. March marked a shift in agricultural activities, and hunting was both a necessity and a pastime. Prints like these were popular, reproduced for calendars or as domestic decoration. The Rijksmuseum's collection, along with period documents, can tell us more about the Dutch Republic's economic and social conditions that shaped such imagery. By studying these elements, we gain a richer understanding of art's role in reflecting and shaping cultural values.