Januari 1545 - 1608

This is Pieter van der Borcht the Elder's ‘Januari,’ an engraving made around 1600, now housed in the Rijksmuseum. The monochromatic print illustrates the month of January with a scene of winter festivities set against a sprawling, detailed landscape. The composition draws us into the lively foreground, bustling with figures skating on ice and gathering in celebration. Van der Borcht uses dense, intricate lines to build up the scene, creating depth and texture. Note the stark contrast between the activity in the foreground and the serene, almost ethereal quality of the background. This interplay could be seen as a reflection of the period’s engagement with humanism, contrasting everyday life with broader natural and philosophical contexts. Consider how the artist uses the structure of the image to reflect broader cultural values and philosophical inquiries. The dynamic composition invites ongoing interpretation, revealing the complex interplay between form, content, and cultural context.