Artwork

A Woman Doing Laundry in an Ice Hole (recto)

A Woman Doing Laundry in an Ice Hole (recto), by Hendrick Avercamp, 1618
A Woman Doing Laundry in an Ice Hole (recto), by Hendrick Avercamp, 1618

A Woman Doing Laundry in an Ice Hole (recto) is a drawing by the Baroque artist Hendrick Avercamp. It dates from 1618 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This drawing by Hendrick Avercamp depicts a woman doing laundry in a hole cut through the ice, accompanied by a child. The scene is rendered on the recto of a sheet, with a separate sketch on the verso.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows a woman kneeling on the ice, scrubbing clothes, while a child nearby wipes tears from their face, possibly due to the cold. The scene captures a moment of everyday life amidst a winter landscape.

Technique & Style

The sketch appears to be a rapid observation, capturing a fleeting moment. Avercamp's use of drawing suggests a focus on recording details for later reference in his larger compositions.

Context

Avercamp's work often featured winter scenes, which were common in the Netherlands due to the country's cold climate. People from various social classes would gather on frozen canals and rivers, engaging in various activities.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hendrick Avercamp

Artist

Hendrick Avercamp

Hendrick Avercamp (January 27, 1585 (bapt.) – May 15, 1634 (buried)) was a Dutch painter during the Dutch Golden Age of painting.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.