Januari: schaatser op het ijs 1736 - 1775

Jan Caspar Philips created this print titled "Januari: schaatser op het ijs," or January: skater on the ice, using etching techniques. Here, we see a lively winter scene in the Netherlands where people from various social strata enjoy the frozen canals. During the 18th century, the Dutch Republic experienced a unique period where the merchant class held significant cultural and economic power. This etching provides insights into the era’s social dynamics and cultural values through its portrayal of leisure activities. Observe how Philips captures the nuances of daily life, mixing the dangers with the pleasures of winter. Skaters glide across the ice, their movements suggesting both grace and the risk of a fall. The artist juxtaposes these figures with the stark reality of those who have fallen. The inclusion of text beneath the image hints at the proverb, suggesting the unpredictable nature of life. In its depiction of winter pleasures amidst daily life, the artwork invites us to reflect on themes of social class, personal risk, and the communal experience of seasonal change.