Bij een molen langs een dichtgevroren kanaal in Nederland liggen boten aangemeerd naast een tent op het ijs 1849

Egidius Linnig created this print of a frozen canal in the Netherlands, capturing a moment in time where the community adapted to the harsh winter conditions. Linnig was born in Antwerp, during a time when the Netherlands and Belgium were undergoing significant political and social changes, and his work captures everyday life. Here, we see figures traversing the ice, some on foot, others in makeshift sleds. The presence of women and children suggests a communal space, where the frozen canal becomes a playground and a meeting point. The imposing ships, now stranded in the ice, contrast with the small figures, highlighting the power of nature over human endeavors. Linnig’s attention to detail invites us to reflect on the resilience and adaptability of communities. There is a sense of hope here, and the promise of spring, as the frozen landscape awaits its inevitable thaw.