Het ijsvermaak c. 1830

Paulus Lauters made this print, titled "Het ijsvermaak," which translates to "Ice Skating Amusement," sometime in the 19th century. It depicts a winter scene with figures enjoying a day on the ice. In 19th-century Netherlands, winter scenes like this were popular, reflecting a fascination with the Dutch landscape and everyday life. This print offers insights into the social and cultural values of the time. The figures on the ice, presumably from different social classes, engage in leisure activities, highlighting a shared experience during the winter season. The institutional history of art in the Netherlands during this period is marked by a growing interest in realism and genre painting. Artists like Lauters found patronage through both public and private art institutions, and the popularity of prints allowed for wider dissemination of their work. To understand this artwork better, historians would delve into archives, examining exhibition records, art criticism, and social histories of the period. The meaning of this print lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its social and institutional context.