Summer 1770 - 1780

François Joseph Belanger created this panel called "Summer" in France during the late 18th century; its intricate carvings were made for the Parisian home of the Duc d'Aumont. In pre-industrial societies, the harvest was a period of intense labor but also one of communal celebration. The imagery here—overflowing vases flanked by the Roman god Ceres—embodies this sentiment. Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, grain crops, fertility, and motherly relationships, represents the intertwined experiences of abundance and sustenance. The panel’s style reflects a longing for a return to agrarian ideals, particularly among the elite, at a time when social hierarchies were increasingly being challenged. As you stand here, consider how the artistic choices in this work both affirm traditional representations of nature while also subtly highlighting the social complexities of its time. It’s a visual reminder of how intertwined our celebrations are with the historical and cultural contexts of labor and class.