WINTER VILLAGE
Drawing with pen, brown and gray ink by I. de la Fontaine Verweij Jr. (1802-1859). Signed and dated “Januarij 1826” on underlying mounting sheet. Size: 12,5 x 17,8 cm.
The Low Countries experienced many bitterly cold winters. Cold that “passed through skin and flesh”. Lakes and rivers were sealed shut and were covered with a thick layer of ice until March. Everyday life was not easy. Food prices soared during the winter period. There was a lack of peat, wood and coal, and especially of fresh water. Work was hard to find. Many people died of the cold. Misery prevailed.
Yet, in the many winter scenes that have been made over the centuries, little of this can be seen. Skates were fastened. A couple is spinning on the ice. People sit comfortably together in a sleigh. A blush on their cheeks. People meet each other for winter entertainment and go through the latest news. There is no wind, perhaps the sun will briefly break through.
Price: Euro 650 (incl. frame)
