Sledevaart c. 1843 - 1920

Anton Muttenthaler created this print called Sledevaart during the 19th century, a time of shifting social hierarchies and growing industrialization. The silhouette style, reminiscent of shadow play, offers a glimpse into the leisure activities of the upper classes. Notice how gender and class are subtly portrayed. Women are often seated in the sledges, suggesting a passive role, while men actively drive the horses. The elegant attire and leisurely activity speak to the privileges afforded by wealth and status. Yet, the stark black and white contrast evokes a sense of distance, almost as if we are viewing a world from which we are excluded. Muttenthaler invites us to reflect on the complexities of social stratification and the ways in which leisure and privilege are visually constructed. This piece serves as both a historical record and an emotional exploration of belonging and exclusion.