Lente en zomer (Spring and Summer) - Jacob de Wit

A delicate Rococo study by Jacob de Wit featuring allegorical putti and floral motifs, rendered in ink and wash on paper.

This drawing by Jacob de Wit depicts a classical allegorical scene featuring putti, which are small, winged figures often used in European art to represent innocence or divine love. The composition is arranged within a niche, a common architectural motif in the eighteenth century, suggesting the work was a preparatory study for a larger decorative scheme or a grisaille painting. De Wit was highly regarded for his ability to mimic the appearance of sculpture through paint, a technique known as 'witjes'.

The figures are rendered with fluid, calligraphic lines and soft grey washes that create a sense of volume and depth. One figure stands to the left, interacting with a large urn overflowing with foliage, while another reclines in the centre. A third figure is partially visible to the right. The inclusion of fruit and floral elements at the base provides a thematic link to the seasons of spring and summer. The artist uses light and shadow to define the forms, giving the figures a tactile quality that mimics carved stone or plaster relief.

De Wit was a prolific draughtsman in Amsterdam, and his work reflects the lighter, more ornamental aesthetic of the Rococo period. This piece demonstrates his skill in balancing anatomical detail with decorative grace. The use of a warm, toned paper provides a neutral ground that allows the ink and wash to stand out, creating a harmonious visual effect. The drawing is signed at the bottom, confirming its provenance as an authentic study by the master of the Dutch grisaille tradition. It offers a glimpse into the meticulous planning required for the grand interior decorations of the era.