Bevroren rivier met vissers en tent c. 1823

Leendert de Koningh made this drawing of a frozen river with fishermen and a tent, with pen in gray and brush in gray, sometime in the early nineteenth century. Dutch art of this period often depicts everyday scenes, but it's worth considering what this image says about Dutch society. The fishermen are presented as common folk, braving the cold for their livelihood. The frozen river itself speaks to the harsh winters that could impact trade and daily life. We see the social conditions of the working class and their need to work, regardless of weather. The artist shows them at work and play, which speaks to Dutch values around the dignity of labor. To truly understand this drawing, one might delve into the economic history of the Netherlands during this time, looking at the role of fishing and the impact of climate on daily life. Only through considering the social and institutional context can we grasp its full meaning.