Op het ijs 1892 - 1905

Ed. J. Walker created this print, "Op het IJs," sometime in the late 19th century, and it is now held at the Rijksmuseum. It offers a charming glimpse into winter leisure in the Netherlands. Through its vignettes of children skating, playing, and observing the winter landscape, the print evokes a sense of community and the simple joys of outdoor activity. The inclusion of text, likely verses or songs, suggests a participatory aspect, inviting viewers to engage actively with the scene. Prints like this one reflect a growing interest in representing everyday life and the experiences of ordinary people. As a work of popular visual culture, it provided entertainment but also shaped perceptions of Dutch identity and social values. To fully understand "Op het IJs," it is important to consider the rise of illustrated periodicals and the role of print media in shaping cultural norms. Research into Dutch social history and the development of mass media would shed further light on its significance.