Tobogganing on the Neva
1792
- Period 18th century
- CategoryGenre Painting
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Tobogganing down ice slopes was a traditional Russian pastime during the carnival period. In St Petersburg the largest ice slopes were to be found on the River Neva in front of the Winter Palace and the Admiralty. Tobogganing was an accessible pastime for everyone, but the height of the slopes at times made this a very risky business. Another old carnival custom was riding around the ice slopes. Play and Passion in Russian Fine Art. St-Petersburg. 1999. P. 87.
It was mostly young people who went tobogganing, with a young girl sitting on a young man's knees, or the other way around. Often they were made to kiss. During the tobogganing and throughout shrovetide in general, relations between young people were much freer than at any other time of the year. The erotic nature of the rites had the special function of demonstrating one's love. Kisses were supposed to awaken nature, contributing to its fertility and flowering. Play and Passion in Russian Fine Art. St-Petersburg. 1999. P. 87.