July
n.d.
Medium
Mezzotint on paper
Dimensions
Plate: 21.4 × 15.5 cm (8 7/16 × 6 1/8 in.); Sheet: 21.6 × 15.8 cm (8 9/16 × 6 1/4 in.)
Classification
mezzotint
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
108970
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Dusart’s July doubles as both a depiction of one of the summer months and as an earthy invitation for a literal roll in the hay. This softly textured mezzotint belies the crackling, scratchy surface of the haystack that these potential lovers would enjoy. The foreground farmer lovingly threatens to toss a bale of hay at his ladylove, who reclines, arms wide open, as if to take him immediately in her embrace. The wine jug to the right suggests that this jovial encounter is heightened by drink.
About the Artist
Cornelis Dusart · 1660–1704
Cornelis Dusart (1660–1704) was a Dutch painter, draughtsman, and printmaker who stands as one of the most important continuators of the peasant genre tradition established by Adriaen van Ostade in Haarlem. Born in Haarlem, Dusart entered Van Ostade's workshop as a pupil and assistant, a relationship that proved formative in every respect. He so thoroughly absorbed his master's approach — the depi...