Artwork
The Seasons: Autumn
The Seasons: Autumn is a print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This etching, part of a series depicting the four seasons, presents an autumnal landscape populated by elegantly dressed figures.
About this work
Overview
This etching, part of a series depicting the four seasons, presents an autumnal landscape populated by elegantly dressed figures. The composition includes recognizable landmarks near London, situating the scene in the countryside estate of Albury, Surrey. Accompanying verses in early modern English reflect the work’s playful tone, linking the ripening of fruit to the passage of time.
Subject & Meaning
Each season is personified by a lady whose attire matches the climate, and in the autumn plate the figure is surrounded by harvest imagery. The accompanying couplet likens unharvested fruit to missed opportunities, suggesting a moral about timely action while maintaining a lighthearted, allegorical approach.
Technique & Style
Etched by Wenceslaus Hollar around 1643–44, the print showcases his precise line work and careful rendering of architectural and natural details. The delicate cross‑hatching creates depth in the foliage and sky, while the figures are rendered with a graceful elegance characteristic of Hollar’s mature period.
History & Provenance
Hollar, a Bohemian-born printmaker who worked across Germany, London, and Antwerp, produced the series while employed by the Earl of Arundel, a prominent collector. The Earl’s Surrey estate provided the setting, and the prints were likely circulated among his circle before entering broader collections.
Context
Seasonal series were a popular motif in 17th‑century print culture, allowing artists to explore allegory, landscape, and fashion. Hollar’s output of over three thousand prints includes six distinct versions of the seasons, reflecting both market demand and his own interest in the theme.
Artist & collection
Artist
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
