February (one of a series representing the labors of the months) 1690

Jonas Umbach made this red chalk drawing, February, as part of a series depicting the labors of the months. It probably dates from the mid-17th century in Germany. Here, Umbach divides the scene between indoor and outdoor activities. Inside, figures huddle around a fire for warmth while others play music outside. February, of course, is usually the coldest month of the year in Europe, but this image also hints at the festivities of Carnival, which falls in February. We see men in pointed hats, traditional Carnival costumes, along with a musician and revelers. This drawing speaks to seasonal changes and the rituals that marked the passage of time in early modern Europe. To understand Umbach's intentions fully, historians look to period calendars, festival records, and costume books. These resources help us interpret how art reflected and shaped social life. Art like this is always embedded in its own time.