Hollandse ijsschuitjes met op de achtergrond Koog aan de Zaan, ca. 1775 1774 - 1776

Simon Fokke created this etching around 1775, depicting Dutch ice yachts with Koog aan de Zaan in the background. The composition is dominated by the triangular sails of the yachts, which cut through the horizontal landscape, creating a dynamic interplay of shapes. The scene is rendered with fine, delicate lines that capture the atmosphere of a breezy winter day. Fokke’s formal arrangement reflects broader 18th-century artistic interests in capturing the spirit of a place through careful observation and technical skill. The etching’s lines serve not only to depict the scene accurately but also to create a sense of depth and movement. The delicate balance between realism and artistry invites viewers to reflect on the relationship between humanity and its environment. Notice how the meticulous details, from the figures on the ice to the windmills in the distance, function within a structured composition. This approach is part of the etching’s semiotic system, where each element contributes to an understanding of Dutch life and landscape.