March c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have Étienne Delaune’s print, titled "March," from the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, it feels like a stage set—those etched lines create such a crisp, almost theatrical space. Curator: Indeed. Delaune created this as part of a series depicting the months. The activities portrayed are connected to the seasons. Editor: The bare trees and the figures collecting wood... It's a stark reminder of the labour inherent in spring, not just the rebirth. Curator: Yes, and consider its function within the household. These prints would have served as both decoration and a reminder of the agricultural calendar. Editor: Looking at it now, I'm struck by the way daily life was so intricately interwoven with the seasons. It's beautiful and brutal, isn't it? Curator: Absolutely. It offers a glimpse into the historical context of the early modern period. Editor: And leaves me pondering our distance from such elemental routines.