IJsvermaak en eendenjagers 1888 - 1891

Willem Steelink created this print called 'IJsvermaak en eendenjagers' depicting a winter scene in the Netherlands, where ice skating was a popular social activity. Steelink was active during a time when Dutch art often looked back to its historical roots. The print gives us a glimpse into a specific time and place, but let's consider how class is subtly at play here. Look at the foreground, we see duck hunters. This detail suggests that the leisure and recreation enjoyed by some are intertwined with the labor and necessity of others. The hunters are on the margins, both literally in the composition and perhaps figuratively in society. Their presence quietly acknowledges the full picture of Dutch society, a picture where not everyone is simply at play. As you reflect on this image, consider how it invites us to contemplate the full scope of human activity. It reminds us that moments of leisure are often supported by unseen labor. It’s a snapshot of history, but also a reflection on the complexities of community and survival.