Twee schaatsers 1843

This pencil drawing on paper, titled 'Two Skaters', was made by Pieter van Loon sometime in the first three-quarters of the 19th century in the Netherlands. It evokes the Dutch Golden Age, when the country's unique geography of canals and rivers froze over in winter, transforming into a stage for all levels of society. Van Loon's work reminds us that the Dutch Republic’s cultural identity was formed through collective experiences. The image creates meaning through its reference to Dutch landscape painting and genre scenes of the 17th century. Van Loon grew up in a rapidly industrializing society, but this drawing harkens back to an earlier time and perhaps comments on the social changes of his own time. Was he self-consciously conservative, looking back to a time of national pride? To understand Van Loon's work better, we might research the history of winter sports in the Netherlands or the artist's patrons. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.