Moonlight scene of skaters on lake -woods surrounding lake. Couple in direct center – he in blue, she’s in red coat over yellow dress.
Ice skating was a fashionable winter pastime during the Victorian era. Currier & Ives captured the sport’s popularity in this print, Skating Scene. Moonlight. Ice skating was particularly popular among women as there were few other athletic activities that were permitted. Skating was seen as an acceptable outlet, provided that women “did not over do it.” The ice-frosted trees and the light of the full moon in this image create a sense of drama and excitement as winter skaters enjoy each other’s company at this informal social event. Ice skating began as a primitive method of winter transportation which allowed people to travel across icy, treacherous terrain. Early skate blades were made from animal bones and strapped to winter boots. Ice skate designs were refined by regional inventors (including Everett Barney of Springfield, Massachusetts) and eventually a strapless skate was introduced in Philadelphia
