Januari 1633 - 1643

Editor: This is "Januari," a pen, print and ink drawing made sometime between 1633 and 1643. The artist is Denis Boutemie. It looks like a fantastical creature, almost like a caricature. How do you interpret this work, considering its historical context? Curator: Given the period, and knowing that it's part of a series, we can see it as fitting into a long tradition of calendar illustrations. These weren't just functional, they also served to reflect social and political power structures. Editor: Power structures? I wouldn't have guessed that from just looking at it. Curator: Well, consider who would commission such a series. Often it would be wealthy patrons, and how months or seasons were represented could subtly reinforce their authority. It's not just about showing "January," but about depicting what January means to *them*, their social class. Editor: So, the style... that Baroque flourish... is that part of the message? Curator: Precisely! The elaborate, almost grotesque style would signal a certain level of sophistication, reflecting the patron's cultivated taste and financial means to support such artistry. And don't overlook the figure itself – perhaps a representation of festivity, reminding people of celebrations permissible by the elite, further highlighting the social hierarchy of the time. Who benefits from celebrating? Editor: It's like, beneath the surface of something seemingly light-hearted, there's a statement being made about who's in charge. Curator: Exactly! These images become fascinating records of societal dynamics when we explore their place within cultural and political currents. Editor: That is… a lot to unpack! Thanks, I’ll never look at another calendar the same way again.