Italian, Venetian – The Labours of the Months – December Part 4 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a male figure engaged in what appears to be butchering a large fish. He is positioned slightly off-center, leaning forward with considerable focus on his task. The mans posture suggests exertion and concentration; his brow is furrowed, and his body angled towards the fish he’s working on. His attire consists of a green tunic over a white undershirt, dark trousers, and red hose, indicating a status above that of a common laborer, yet not quite nobility. The apron tied around his waist further emphasizes his occupation.
The fish itself dominates much of the foreground space. It is rendered with considerable detail, its scales suggested through careful brushwork. A pool of crimson liquid – presumably blood – collects beneath the fish and spills into a small bowl placed on the ground. This element introduces an immediate sense of mortality and sacrifice.
Behind the figure, a landscape unfolds, albeit sparsely detailed. Distant hills are visible under a pale blue sky, providing a backdrop that contrasts with the immediacy of the foreground action. A stone architectural feature is partially visible to the right, suggesting a setting within a structured environment, perhaps an estate or courtyard. The light source appears to be coming from the left, illuminating the figure and casting shadows that enhance the three-dimensionality of the scene.
The painting’s subtexts likely relate to themes of labor, sustenance, and the cyclical nature of time. Given the context of monthly labors, this depiction probably represents December, a month associated with winters scarcity and the need for preserving food through salting or curing. The act of butchering signifies not only the provision of nourishment but also the acceptance of mortality – the fish’s life is sacrificed to sustain another. The man’s focused demeanor could be interpreted as an allegory for diligence and perseverance during a difficult season, highlighting virtues valued in agricultural societies. Furthermore, the inclusion of finer clothing suggests that even those with some degree of privilege are subject to the demands of seasonal labor and the realities of survival.