Artwork
Allegory of the Month of March
Allegory of the Month of March is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Peeter Snijers. It dates from 1730 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The work portrays a modest village lane populated by three figures engaged in everyday tasks.
About this work
Overview
The work portrays a modest village lane populated by three figures engaged in everyday tasks. To the left a boy leads a ram, at the centre a young woman holds a freshly caught fish, while a seated vendor cradles a basket of apples on her lap. A nearby crate bears herring and assorted fruit, accompanied by a pot of crocuses and a bucket of fish, suggesting a snapshot of rural life.
Subject & Meaning
The scene functions as an allegorical representation of March, emphasizing the early signs of spring. The crocuses in bloom, the presence of fresh fish, and the emergence of fruit signal the seasonal transition from winter to the growing season, while the inclusion of market goods underscores the continuity of daily commerce during this period.
Technique & Style
Executed in a clear, narrative manner, the painting employs a restrained palette that highlights the modest colors of the figures’ clothing and the muted tones of the street. The composition arranges the characters along a shallow depth, allowing each element—ram, fish, apples—to be identified easily, reflecting a didactic approach typical of calendar illustrations.
History & Provenance
The piece is believed to belong to a series of monthly allegories, likely commissioned for a domestic or educational purpose in the Dutch Republic. Though specific archival records are scarce, its thematic structure aligns with similar calendar cycles produced in the 17th‑century Netherlands, intended to mark the passage of time through quotidian scenes.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Pieter Snyers or Peter Snijers (first name also written as: 'Peeter' and nickname 'De Heilige' or 'The Holy One') (30 March 1681 – 4 May 1752) was a Flemish art collector, painter, draughtsman and engraver.
