Januari 1705 - 1766

This print, titled "Januari," was made by an anonymous artist. It's an etching, created by using acid to bite lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Note the incredible detail, from the figures skating on the ice to the elaborate, almost baroque frame that surrounds them. The image depicts a scene of leisure, with people enjoying a winter day. This was a popular subject for prints, which were often made in multiples and sold to a broad public. Consider the labor involved in producing this image: the skilled hand of the etcher, the work of the printmaker, and the economic system that allowed for the creation and distribution of such images. Prints like this weren't just art objects; they were also products of a complex social and economic system. Appreciating that system is crucial for understanding the full meaning of this seemingly simple image.