Arkivism
Spring, Morning and Earth; Summer, Noon and Air; Autumn, Evening and Water; Winter, Night and Fire
Public domain

Spring, Morning and Earth; Summer, Noon and Air; Autumn, Evening and Water; Winter, Night and Fire

Jacob Cats (1741-1799) · 1797 · pen; brush; paper; ink; watercolor (paint)

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

Series of landscapes with the Four Seasons as their theme were not exceptional in the 18th century. In these drawings, however, Jacob Cats did something unusual. He linked them to the Four Times of the Day and the Four Elements. These added dimensions manifest themselves in the smallest of details, such as the pale morning light in the drawing depicting the Spring, Morning and Earth.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Credit lineLente, morgen en aarde Zomer, middag en lucht Herfst, avond en water Winter, nacht en vuur. 1797. Jacob Cats (1741-1799). Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.

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