January and February (part of a set illustrating the months of the year)

Antoine Watteau

second quarter 18th century · Oil on panel; wood frame, painted yellow and gilded · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

One of a set of panels (22.225.1–6) which probably formed a set of decoration for a room. Each panel represents two months of the year, depicting astrological signs and occupations appropriate to the seasons. January and February are represented by an old man and Harlequin warming themselves in front of a fire, above, and a skater, below. The figures of Pierrot, Harlequin and a putto with a tambourine allude to Carnival.

Artist

Antoine Watteau

Date

second quarter 18th century

Medium

Oil on panel; wood frame, painted yellow and gilded

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1922