December 1624 - 1645

Jan Gerritsz Swelinck made this print, December, using etching, a process where lines are incised into a metal plate to hold ink. Notice how the starkness of the etched lines shapes our understanding of this scene. The material qualities of the printmaking process give the image a stark contrast between light and shadow, emphasizing the cold, inhospitable atmosphere of December. The sharp lines create a sense of texture in the buildings, clothing, and even the bare tree, adding depth and realism to the scene. The detailed rendering of the figures, particularly Joseph and Mary, highlights the human element within this social context. Swelinck skillfully uses etching to imbue the artwork with cultural significance, using printmaking, traditionally associated with mass production, to bring a recognizable scene from the bible to a wider, potentially less wealthy, audience. This challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, emphasizing the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.