IJspret op de Haarlemmermeer, 1625 1722 - 1784

Simon Fokke made this print, IJspret op de Haarlemmermeer, using etching. It shows us what life was like on the frozen Haarlemmermeer lake in 1625, as suggested by the title. The scene teems with life, depicting a cross-section of Dutch society enjoying winter activities. From elegantly dressed figures to common folk, the print emphasizes a shared experience, briefly dissolving social barriers on the ice. The presence of a sailing ship frozen in the ice presents a striking contrast, highlighting the power of nature to transform even the most familiar aspects of life and commerce. The image reflects the cultural and economic boom of the Dutch Golden Age, when the country was a hub of trade and artistic innovation. Artists like Fokke contributed to a growing sense of national identity by documenting everyday life. Art historians use a wide range of primary sources, such as period documents, literature, and other visual materials to better understand the print’s historical context.