Who painted November and December?

November and December was painted by Sebald Beham in 1546.

Where can I see November and December?

November and December is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is November and December?

November and December is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

November and December

Sebald Beham , 1546

November and December is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1546 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Sebald Beham’s 1546 engraving titled *November and December* presents a compact, detailed scene of four figures laboring outdoors in winter attire.

Sebald Beham’s 1546 engraving titled *November and December* presents a compact, detailed scene of four figures laboring outdoors in winter attire. The composition balances two pairs: on the left, two individuals walk together, one holding a staff; on the right, a woman and a man are burdened by heavy sacks, their posture suggesting fatigue. The ground is rendered with a mix of earth and sparse grass, emphasizing the harsh seasonal setting.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of everyday toil during the late months of the year, highlighting the physical strain of seasonal labor. The juxtaposition of the strolling pair with the overloaded figures may allude to the contrast between leisure and necessity, while the muted atmosphere evokes the quiet endurance required in cold weather.

Technique & Style

Executed with fine, incised lines on a metal plate, the engraving demonstrates Beham’s characteristic precision. Delicate hatching conveys the texture of fabric, the creases of clothing, and the weight of the sacks. The miniature scale, typical of the “Little Masters” circle, allows for intricate detail within a limited surface, creating a dense yet controlled visual field.

History & Provenance

Sebald Beham, a native of Nuremberg, was a prominent member of the post‑Dürer generation of German printmakers known for their small, highly finished works. Produced in 1546, *November and December* reflects the artist’s mature period and his engagement with genre scenes. The print has circulated among collectors of early modern German engravings and is documented in several museum collections specializing in Renaissance prints.