IJsvermaak bij een stad 1752 - 1825

Robbert Muys made this print, titled "IJsvermaak bij een stad" or "Ice Fun by a City," in the 18th century. This etching offers a fascinating window into the social life of the Dutch Republic. We see a frozen landscape transformed into a vibrant hub of activity. Figures from various social classes are depicted enjoying winter pastimes. The print captures a moment of shared experience, where social boundaries seem to blur on the ice. The frozen canals, essential for trade and transport, temporarily become a space for leisure and recreation. Muys made this print during a time of economic change and social stratification. The Dutch Republic had a complex relationship with its own institutions. Prints such as this one are useful sources for historians interested in the everyday lives and social customs of the Dutch Republic. They remind us that art is not made in a vacuum but reflects the world around it.