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| Two Ladies Ice Skating in Central Park by Walter Granville Smith |
The thrill of gliding on the ice… These ladies look like they are having fun! The lovely apparel isn't a hinderance to them. In fact, it looks more exciting in their fanciful attire! Did you know that Prince Albert and Queen Victoria were avid ice skaters themselves? She especially delighted in watching her husband skate on the lake in Buckingham Palace. In 1841, she recorded the following incident in her diary:
"…the ice cracked, and Albert was in the water up to his head, even for a moment below. In my agony of fright and despair I screamed and stretched out my arm... My Dearest Albert managed to catch my arm and reached the ground in safety."
(Of course, you probably won't encounter a situation like the queen as long as you skate in a proper and designated area.)
Questions for Mothers and Maidens:
- What time period do you think this painting takes place in?
- Where do you think it takes place at based on the clues?
Winter Activity:
Have you ever ice skated before? Why not take this winter opportunity and enjoy the crisp air on frozen waters? Gather up your loved ones and bundle up. It is excellent exercise and will make for wonderful memories. Embrace the change in the weather and enjoy it the classical way through this pleasurable pastime.
I love the picture!! It has been a long time since I was ice skating. There is a rink about an hour away that would be fun to try out with my family this winter! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI am nominating you for The Versatile Blogger award. It looks like your blog is new this year but full of nearly 40 terrific posts. I'll be linking to you from my blog this evening...stop by to "grab" your award!
Thank you ;)
DeleteWhat a sweet post. Could you tell me from where you found the quote from Queen Victoria?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely :) This is the link:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.iceskating.org.uk/about/history
Dear JES! I just love the wonderful things you write about!! You inspire and encourage me so much...plus you are interesting and History is always interesting!! BTW means 'by the way' such as in BTW, what time is it? I am learning so much!! don't feel badly, I didn't know either until recently! Have a blessed New Year in Jesus!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the clarification! And yes, history is ALWAYS interesting!
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteI have just stopped by your blog for the first time... I'm Jacqueline's daughter from Deep Roots at Home. :)
These lovely ladies look like they are from the 1890's era, but they could be as late as 1900.
They also look as though they are skating right outside of Kensington Palace. When we were on holiday in England last year, we visited the Palace (from the outside), and there is a statue in the courtyard that looks identical to that one. :)
If you know the answers to either of these questions, I would be curious to know! :)
Have a very happy New Year!
-Rebecca
Hi Rebecca, nice to meet you :)
ReplyDeleteActually, you are quite "on" regarding the date… It is 1892 when he painted it but the title claims it to be at Central Park. Looking around, it may be the "Angel of the Waters" fountain which was designed in 1873 but I am not sure since the base looks a bit different but I can't verify this. The "Angel of the Waters" statue was made in honor of an aqueduct that was built which supplied not only "her" with fresh water but also the city itself which was struggling with contamination at the time. But, many artists borrowed ideas from Europe at that time so she may have been inspired by England when created...