Who painted December, with the Sign of Capricorn?

December, with the Sign of Capricorn was painted by Jan Kamphuysen in 1796.

Where can I see December, with the Sign of Capricorn?

December, with the Sign of Capricorn is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is December, with the Sign of Capricorn?

December, with the Sign of Capricorn is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

December, with the Sign of Capricorn

Jan Kamphuysen , 1796

December, with the Sign of Capricorn is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jan Kamphuysen. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

December, with the Sign of Capricorn is an oil painting created by Jan Kamphuysen in 1796. Characterized by its tall, narrow composition and rich color palette dominated by gold, green, and blue, the work embodies elements of the Rococo style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting symbolically represents the month of December through its incorporation of the zodiac sign Capricorn. Compositional elements—a maternal figure with a child, an ornate vase with flora, fruit, and cherubic figures, and a sleeping child under a starry sky—convey themes of nativity, abundance, and the passage of time.

Technique & Style

Kamphuysen's training in decorative arts, evident in the intricate details and balanced busyness of the scene, influences the painting's Rococo sensibilities. The dense arrangement of motifs and the interplay of light and shadow (prefiguring chiaroscuro techniques) add depth and visual interest.

History & Provenance

Created in 1796 by Dutch artist Jan Kamphuysen, the painting is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection. Kamphuysen's background, shaped by his training under Pieter Barbiers, reflects in his diverse output, including interiors, landscapes, and allegorical works.

Context

Emerging from the late 18th century, the work reflects the lingering influence of Rococo aesthetics in Dutch art. Its thematic blend of zodiacal symbolism, natural abundance, and domestic scenes situates it within the broader European artistic trends of the time.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of *December, with the Sign of Capricorn* on subsequent art movements are not prominently documented, it remains a notable example of late Rococo style in Dutch painting, offering insights into the thematic and stylistic preferences of the era.