Januari 1722 - 1784

Simon Fokke made this print called "Januari," we don’t know exactly when, using the technique of etching. This is a printmaking process that uses acid to create lines in a metal plate, which is then inked and used to make impressions on paper. Look closely, and you can see how the crisp precision of the etched lines define every detail. The artist used these etched lines to create depth and texture, and to depict a winter scene with figures in the foreground and a city view in the background. In Fokke's time, printmaking was a key means of circulating images and ideas, acting as a vital form of visual communication. The amount of work that goes into the production process highlights the fusion of technical skill and artistic vision. Understanding the material and processes of this print allows us to appreciate the skill involved in its creation, and to consider its role in a broader context of art, craft, and social exchange.