Artwork
February
February is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Velde, Jan van de, II. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
February is an etching created by Jan van de Velde the Younger in 1617, exemplifying the Dutch Golden Age’s emphasis on detailed, atmospheric scenes.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a harsh winter harbor scene in February, with a large ship at shore, smaller boats in choppy water, bare trees, a lone figure on the dock, and a background town. The composition conveys the season’s austerity, reinforced by Latin text at the bottom.
Technique & Style
Van de Velde achieved a three-dimensional effect through fine etched lines, particularly evident in the textured waves and tree branches, demonstrating his mastery of the etching technique.
History & Provenance
Created in 1617 by Jan van de Velde the Younger, a printmaker and member of a family of artists, including his father Jan van de Velde the Elder and son Jan Jansz van de Velde, a still-life painter.
Context
The work reflects the Dutch Golden Age’s artistic preferences for capturing everyday life and natural environments in meticulous detail.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan van de Velde the younger (1593 – c. 1 November 1641) was a Dutch Golden Age painter and printmaker, mostly of animal, landscape and still-life subjects. He was the son of Jan van de Velde the Elder and the father of…
