Winterlandschap met bevroren rivier 1841 - 1853

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this Winter Landscape with a Frozen River, using lithography. This piece offers a glimpse into 19th-century Dutch society. During this time, the Netherlands was experiencing a period of relative peace and economic growth, which allowed for a flourishing of art and culture. The frozen landscape is dotted with figures skating, a popular pastime that transcended class. However, the composition also hints at social stratification, note the imposing building contrasting with the small figures on the ice, suggesting a society where wealth and power were concentrated in the hands of a few. Last, like many artists of his time, walked a tightrope between celebrating national identity and subtly critiquing social inequalities. Through his art, we are invited to reflect on the ever-present tension between individual joy and collective experience.