Ovale medaillons met de maanden Januari en Februari c. 1630 - 1635

Bartholomeus van Lochom created this print of two oval medallions representing January and February, likely in the Netherlands during the 17th century. The prints offer a glimpse into the social fabric of the time. January depicts an interior scene, where several figures are gathered around a hearth, perhaps celebrating the New Year with food and drink. February shows figures outdoors braving the winter landscape. These images can be read as an almanac, setting out activities for each month of the year. But it is important to remember that these images reflect the concerns and experiences of a particular class. Were you to delve into period literature and domestic accounts you might uncover far richer detail about domestic life in the Dutch Golden Age. The social historian seeks to understand how such imagery functioned in its own time, and what it can tell us today.