Zwemles bij zee before 1900

Miell & Ridley's small monochrome print, Zwemles bij zee, which translates as 'Swimming lessons at sea', depicts figures on a beach, and it is likely to have been made in the first half of the twentieth century in the Netherlands. I am particularly drawn to the image's setting, its coastal landscape, and the social activity of a swimming lesson taking place there. This was a time when seaside resorts were developing across Europe, offering leisure activities to a broader section of society. How does this image tap into or perhaps challenge existing social norms? In what ways does it represent this new kind of leisure? To understand this image more fully, we need to delve into the historical context of Dutch seaside culture, exploring archival images and accounts from the period. By doing so, we can better understand the role of art in reflecting, shaping, and sometimes challenging the social landscape of its time.