Januari 17th century

This small, anonymous print, titled 'Januari', presents us with an intriguing scene rendered with woodcut. It probably dates from the late 16th or early 17th century. The print depicts a festive gathering, likely a New Year’s feast, complete with copious drink and abundant food. But it’s not just a snapshot of merriment. Look closer, and you will see that the artist has embedded social commentary within the image. This print was produced in a European culture deeply structured by hierarchies of class and gender, this feast is not simply about enjoying food and drink. It is a carefully staged performance of social roles, and we can only speculate as to what region or country it may have been produced. To fully understand this print, we can turn to contemporary sources – account books, diaries, etiquette manuals, even cookbooks. These sources help us see the deeper social dynamics at play, and understand how artists of the time engaged with, or challenged, the world around them. The meaning of art, after all, is always shaped by its context.