Artwork
The Twelve Months: February
The Twelve Months: February is a print by the Baroque artist Jan van de Velde. It dates from 1613 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
The painting shows a winter scene in the Netherlands.
It's a quiet moment in February.
The artist used simple lines and colors to depict the scene, which makes it interesting because it's a calm and peaceful moment in the middle of winter, and the way the artist composed the scene draws the viewer's eye to the center, where people are going about their daily activities.
You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of artist: Jan van de Velde II (Dutch, 1593–1641)
Overview
Jan van de Velde II, a Dutch printmaker active in the early 1600s, produced the engraving *The Twelve Months: February* in 1613. The work belongs to a larger series that illustrates each month’s typical activities and weather. It is presently owned by the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a modest winter landscape typical of the Dutch Low Countries, centered on a small group of figures engaged in everyday tasks. The composition emphasizes the quiet rhythm of February life, conveying a sense of calm amid the season’s chill.
Technique & Style
Executed with fine line work and restrained tonal contrasts, the print relies on clear, economical drawing to define forms and atmosphere. Van de Velde’s handling of line creates a subtle depth, while the limited palette of black and gray reinforces the subdued winter mood.
History & Provenance
Created as part of the *Twelve Months* series, the February print has remained in the public domain since its early circulation. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the twentieth century, where it is displayed alongside other Dutch prints of the period.
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…
