Kruiend ijs te Ochten, 1789 1789

This is a watercolor and ink drawing of “Kruiend ijs te Ochten,” or drifting ice at Ochten, made in 1789 by Roeland van Eynden. The artwork depicts the effects of the extremely cold winter in the Netherlands, and the impact of the ice on the landscape and community. The drawing documents a unique event, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. But look closely at Van Eynden's technique. He uses watercolor to give a sense of immediacy, and this was often favored for scientific and topographical studies as it could accurately record observations. The ink adds definition to the details, particularly in rendering the human figures. It gives the artwork both precision and artistic flair, while offering a glimpse into a specific moment in time. The artwork is a reminder that understanding the material and the context in which it was made helps to reveal a deeper understanding of its artistic and historical significance. It invites us to appreciate both the skill of the artist and the stories that materials can tell.