Winter Games on the Frozen River Ijssel c. 1626

Hendrick Avercamp made this lively winter scene on paper with watercolor and gouache around the turn of the 17th century. The thin washes of color create a sense of light and atmosphere, but it's the details that draw you in: the figures skating, sledding, and playing games on the frozen river Ijssel. Look closely, and you'll notice that Avercamp hasn't just captured a general impression of winter fun. He has carefully rendered the clothing of the figures, which would have required specialized knowledge of textile production. The fine garments on display point to the booming trade and material culture of the Dutch Golden Age. Avercamp's attention to detail elevates what could have been a simple genre scene into a fascinating social document. It shows us the leisure activities available to different classes, and reminds us that even in moments of play, the structures of society are always present. This exquisite drawing demonstrates how close looking and attention to the context of making can bring a work of art to life.