Deze afbeeldsels geeft aan u oog de Wintertyd; Den een slyt die in vreugd, en den anderen in arbeid 1791 - 1812

Dirk van Lubeek’s print, made around 1800, offers two contrasting scenes of winter life in the Netherlands. In the upper panel, we observe the elite indulging in leisure, riding in a horse-drawn sleigh. The horse, a symbol of virility and energy, is here tamed, pulling the gentry through the snow. The motif of the horse-drawn vehicle echoes ancient Roman triumphs, where emperors were paraded as conquerors. Yet here, it is transformed into a scene of winter revelry, a spectacle of wealth and social status. Below, the working class labors to transport turf. The contrast is stark. While the wealthy enjoy carefree rides, others are burdened by physical toil. This juxtaposition evokes a deep-seated tension, a psychological reflection of the social divide. These images are not merely illustrations; they are embodiments of collective memory, reflecting cultural anxieties and aspirations that persist through time. These cyclical patterns of leisure and labor resurface, constantly evolving in meaning across different social landscapes.