IJsvermaak op de Maas bij Rotterdam, 1784 1784

Mathias de Sallieth made this print, IJsvermaak op de Maas bij Rotterdam, in 1784. It offers us a window into the social life of Rotterdam during an especially cold winter. The image creates meaning through a variety of visual codes. The frozen river becomes a stage for social interaction, with people from different classes engaging in leisure activities together. Note the figures skating, sledding, and even riding in horse-drawn sleighs. The presence of ships frozen in the ice reminds us of Rotterdam's economic life as a port city. The print subtly comments on the social structures of its time. The wealthy are conspicuously present, yet the frozen river allows for an unusual mixing of social classes. To understand this print better, we can consult period documents, such as newspapers and diaries, to learn about the social conditions and cultural attitudes of 18th-century Rotterdam. Through such research, we can better appreciate the role of art in reflecting and shaping social life.