Arrival of St Nicholas c. 1840 - 1850
gebroedersvanlier
photo of handprinted image
boat
toned paper
light pencil work
muted colour palette
pencil sketch
old engraving style
historical fashion
old-timey
19th century
watercolour illustration
This 19th-century print by Gebroeders van Lier depicts the arrival of St. Nicholas. The scene is set in a Dutch town, with the saint riding his horse through the clouds, carrying presents and toys. The print was likely part of a series, and its simple, graphic style makes it a charming and entertaining example of 19th-century Dutch folk art. The image is a whimsical representation of a beloved figure, and the detailed portrayal of the saint's gifts is a reminder of the importance of tradition and celebration. The print is currently part of the Rijksmuseum collection.
Comments
Saint Nicholas is shown here as a frightening crusader, floating through the night sky on a winged horse with very small wings on his lower legs. Despite his rather intimidating appearance, this is a child-friendly saint merely handing out gifts; there is no allusion to the possibility of punishment for misbehaviour.
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