Winter (Hyems) 1589

This engraving of Winter, or Hyems, was crafted by Jacob Matham, a Dutchman, sometime in the late 16th or early 17th century. The composition centers on an elderly man, cloaked and hooded, carrying a steaming vessel. He is the embodiment of winter. The image's power lies in how it connects classical and contemporary symbols. In the upper register, one can note the zodiac signs, Capricorn and Aquarius, representing the months most associated with the season. The vessel seems to represent the warmth, a source of comfort against the frigid landscape populated by figures laboring under a heavy snowfall. This stark contrast between warmth and cold echoes throughout art history. Think of similar figures in medieval tapestries or even contemporary advertisements for warmth during the holidays. This archetype of a figure battling the elements taps into a collective memory of survival and endurance, evoking a powerful, visceral response. The image is not merely an illustration of winter, but a potent symbol of human resilience against the cyclical, ever-returning challenges of nature.