Bord 1750 - 1780

This tin-glazed earthenware plate depicts a winter scene, signed by De Porceleyne Byl. At first glance, the depiction of leisure activities on ice may seem merely a quaint snapshot of Dutch life. But consider the tent, prominently placed with figures gathered within. The tent, a symbol of transience and shelter, evokes a sense of temporary community. Historically, the tent appears in various forms, from nomadic dwellings to military encampments, each time representing a temporary haven. Think of Caravaggio's depictions of soldiers gambling. The winter scene, too, taps into deep-seated anxieties about survival and the human need for warmth and companionship during harsh times. This symbol transcends time, evolving in meaning yet retaining its core essence as a refuge. The image of people huddled together speaks to our collective memory of seeking solace in numbers, a powerful emotional force that continues to resonate across centuries.