Sneeuwballengooiers c. 1745 - 1785

Editor: This is "Sneeuwballengooiers," or "Snowball Throwers," an engraving by Anthonij van der Haer, created sometime between 1745 and 1785. It depicts figures on a frozen landscape engaged in winter activities. I'm immediately drawn to the sense of playful energy amidst the cold. What strikes you most when you look at this print? Curator: Ah, yes, the simple joys of pelting someone with a frozen sphere! It takes me back, doesn’t it you? The piece isn't just a charming scene, but a time capsule. Notice the detailed rendering of the clothing; it’s a snapshot of everyday life for people in that period. Beyond that, the figures populating the backdrop suggest all walks of life mixing on a frozen stage. A landscape united in its chill. Tell me, what do you think this work says about community in the Baroque Era? Editor: That's interesting; I hadn't considered the social aspect so directly. It seems to imply a casual interaction amongst different social classes, perhaps more so than during other times of the year. Could the frozen landscape itself be a symbolic equalizer? Curator: Precisely! Think of the rigid social structures of the time. The ice, almost a blank canvas, allows for a temporary disruption of those structures, and for connections –even through a snowball fight– to flourish. The artist invites us to reflect on a shared humanity that momentarily transcends societal constraints. It is a refreshing notion, like that first blast of winter air. Editor: I never would have thought about that. I was too distracted by the…snowballs. Thanks, now I am wondering about the socioeconomic status of each figure! Curator: Always a fun avenue to consider. Keep questioning. It keeps art alive, just like that first snowball of winter!