Schaatsers op het ijs bij een boerderij 1610 - 1617

This small, unsigned print depicts ice skaters near a farm. Made in the Netherlands, most likely during the Dutch Golden Age, the image offers a glimpse into the social life of the time, where outdoor activities like ice skating were popular pastimes. The attire of the figures gives us clues about the social hierarchy of the period. Their clothing suggests a mix of classes enjoying a shared recreational space, perhaps reflecting a relatively egalitarian aspect of Dutch society. The presence of a church in the background also alludes to the central role of religion in daily life. Prints like these were often produced for a growing middle class, and offer insight into their values and pastimes. By researching similar images and the social history of the Netherlands during this time, we can understand the print not just as a picture of skaters, but as a snapshot of a society.