IJsvermaak te Leerdam c. 1739 - 1817

Philippus van der Schley created this print, IJsvermaak te Leerdam, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. It depicts a winter scene in the Dutch town of Leerdam, complete with a windmill, skaters on a frozen canal and a distant gate. This kind of scene, depicting ordinary people at leisure, reflects a broader cultural interest in everyday life that arose in the Netherlands during the 18th century. Here, the print media played a crucial role. Artists like Van der Schley could reach a wide audience, turning ordinary scenes into objects of interest and perhaps even national pride. The image also tells us something about the social structures of the time. The skaters, likely middle-class citizens, are engaging in a pastime that speaks to increased leisure time and economic stability. We might also note the prominent windmill and the fortified gate of the city; both are visual cues that reference Dutch innovation and independence. Understanding this print means understanding the social and cultural values of the Dutch Republic. Art historians rely on period documents and cultural histories to understand the ever-changing contexts that give art its meaning.