Rotterdam, winter scene – Paulus Constantijn la Fargue, 1763
€3.750
ROTTERDAM – WINTER AMUSEMENTS ON THE FROZEN RIVER MEUSE, 1763
“Oostelyk gezicht der Stad Rotterdam en der Maaze, met het Ysvermaak op deeze Rivier, Ao. 1763” [Eastward view of the city of Rotterdam and the River Meuse, with winter amusements on the frozen river in 1763]. Etching and engraving by Paulus Constantijn la Fargue, published by Pieter Gerard van Balen in The Hague in 1763. Coloured by a later hand. Size: approx. 45 × 70 cm.
This splendid print depicts the frozen River Meuse at Rotterdam on 24 January 1763, when the river had been transformed into a vast expanse of ice bustling with winter activities. Where ships would normally sail, the ice is now crowded with skaters, pedestrians, horse-drawn sleighs and carriages. Everywhere there is activity: children play on the ice, merchants offer their wares, and elegantly dressed people are on the frozen river in richly decorated sleighs and coaches. The artist has captured the lively scene with an extraordinary wealth of detail.
On the left, we see Rotterdam’s Oude Hoofd (Old Harbour Entrance), with the imposing Oude Hoofdpoort (Old Main Gate) and the rear façades of the houses along the Haringvliet. Further to the right are the Admiralty shipyard at the Boerengat harbour and the windmills on the Bosland and along the Oostzeedijk. The scene thus offers not only a vivid impression of eighteenth-century winter recreation, but also an interesting view of Rotterdam’s old waterfront.
A particularly noteworthy detail is the presence of Prince William V of Orange-Nassau (1748–1806), who is shown travelling across the ice in a carriage drawn by six horses. At the time, the prince was only fourteen years old and, as hereditary stadtholder, was still under a regency during his minority. Beneath the image is an elaborately ornamented pedestal bearing the coat of arms of the Prince of Orange.
Paulus Constantijn la Fargue (1732–1782) belonged to a family of artists from The Hague, five of whose children pursued artistic careers. A painter, draughtsman and printmaker, he became particularly well known for his meticulously detailed views of towns and villages. He also recorded notable events and scenes of everyday life in his time. In this winter scene, his eye for topographical accuracy, his interest in human activity and his talent for lively compositions come together to particularly fine effect.
Price: Euro 3.750,- (incl. frame)
