Twaalfde slede 1776

Abraham Delfos made this watercolor depicting a ‘Twelfth Sleigh’ sometime in the 18th century. These sleighs were part of the annual celebration of the feast of Epiphany, or Three Kings Day, a popular festival in the Netherlands. Looking closely, we see people in fancy dress and elaborate costumes riding on decorated sleighs. The large banner displays an allegorical figure perhaps signifying the identity of the sleigh’s owner. These parades were festive social occasions, but they were also opportunities for the wealthy to display their status and taste. The sleighs themselves were often custom-made, becoming symbols of social identity. Historical research into the archives of Dutch social clubs and artisan guilds can give us more specific details. These institutions helped shape artistic production and consumption. Attending to the details of social context can provide valuable insights into this artwork. It also reminds us that the meaning of art changes over time and that historical interpretation is crucial to our understanding.