The Seasons

The allegorical figures embody the passage of time, linking human activity to the natural cycle. Spring’s lady is surrounded by blossoms and a young deer, suggesting renewal; Summer’s scene features ripe fruit and a reclining man, evoking abundance; Autumn presents a wheat field and a farmer, highlighting harvest; Winter shows barren trees under snow, conveying dormancy. The verses reinforce the optimistic view of each season’s gifts.

Etched by Wenceslaus Hollar around 1643–44, the plates display fine line work characteristic of his mature printmaking. The artist employs delicate cross‑hatching to render texture in foliage, sky, and architectural details, while the figures are rendered with elegant, flowing drapery. The composition balances the central allegorical figure with a panoramic background, creating a harmonious integration of portraiture and landscape.

Hollar, a Bohemian-born printmaker active in Germany, London, and Antwerp, produced six distinct versions of this seasonal series. He arrived in London in 1636 while employed by the Earl of Arundel, a prominent collector who likely facilitated Hollar’s access to the city’s landmarks. The series was issued as individual sheets, allowing collectors to assemble a complete set.

During the mid‑17th century, seasonal cycles were a favored motif in printed art, reflecting both scientific interest in the calendar and a popular taste for allegory. Hollar’s series aligns with this trend, yet distinguishes itself through the inclusion of contemporary London scenery, linking the universal theme of time to a specific urban environment.