September before 1566

Etienne Delaune created this intricate engraving titled ‘September’ sometime between 1518 and 1583. The composition, encased in an ornamental border, presents a panoramic landscape rendered with meticulous detail. The monochromatic palette and fine lines of the engraving give the scene a sense of clarity and depth, drawing us into a pastoral setting reminiscent of classical landscapes. Delaune masterfully employs the semiotic system of signs to convey meaning through the image. The act of sowing seeds, the ox-drawn cart, and the distant town, each element, are symbols of labor and rural life. Placed in September, it is likely a symbolic commentary on labor, time and the rhythms of nature, embodying a structured vision of the world. Note how Delaune’s emphasis on order, structure, and classical motifs situates the artwork within a larger cultural context. The linear quality emphasizes the engraving's symbolic depth. It is a testament to the period's broader artistic and philosophical concerns and its ongoing interpretation.