Dutch winter with ‘koek-en-zopie’ – Dirk Langendijk, c. 1775

‘Koek-en-zopie’ on the ice. Pen drawing with washes of East Indian ink and grey ink, executed around 1775 by Dirk Langendijk. Signed lower left “D. Langendijk”. Size (paper): 38.7 × 51.4 cm.

Dirk Langendijk (1748–1805) was primarily drawn to military and historical subjects, though in his early years he also produced landscapes. To his teacher Dirk Anthonie Bisschop he owed “that pure and clear manner of washing with East Indian ink, which lends such great ornament to his drawings.”

We see a lively winter scene on the ice. This is not an idyllic, tranquil winter landscape, but a crowded and socially layered ice scene centred on a koek-en-zopie tent. A flag flutters above the improvised stall, and a wreath is hung as well—the sign that brandy is being served.

Across the composition a wide range of activities unfolds. Skaters glide past in various poses: some graceful, others less accomplished. In the foreground a man lies stretched out on the ice, his hat beside him—perhaps he has had a drink. Slightly farther on stands a horse-drawn sleigh; other figures look on, smoke their pipes, or converse with one another. A light haze softens the atmosphere, causing the background to dissolve gradually and directing attention to the everyday conviviality around the tent in the foreground.

Langendijk’s drawings are generally worked out in great detail: each small figure, whether animal or human, can be considered independently. The different emotions of the people can sometimes be read in their faces. The clothing, too, with its particular details, is in general rendered with great care and precision.

Price: Euro 4.950,- (incl. frame)