September

Art Historical Context

"September," created by Hendrik Meijer in 1772, is a delicate landscape drawing that captures the quiet transition of early autumn. Rendered on a modest sheet measuring roughly 5 by 7 inches, the work combines black chalk, ink, and watercolor to depict a rural scene populated by houses, men, trees, and boats. This mixed-media approach allows for crisp linear details alongside soft washes of color, lending the composition both precision and a gentle atmospheric quality that evokes the season’s changing light. The title hints at an interest in seasonal rhythms, with the figures and setting suggesting everyday rural life amid nature’s shift. Drawings like this one were valued in the 18th century for their portability and ability to record fleeting observations with expressive yet controlled technique. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2005, the piece now resides in the Department of Drawings and Prints, offering visitors an intimate window into Meijer’s sensitive observation of the natural world.