Art: Sport Show

Saint Lydwina of Holland, when a sickly virgin of 15, was persuaded in the winter of 1395 to rise from her sickbed and go skating upon the ice. No sooner had she ventured out on her runners than a rude young woman crashed into her, knocked her flat and broke her rib. "With unimaginable wailing of virgins," St. Lydwina was carried back to bed where she remained for the next 38 years in constant agony, relieved only by angelic visions.

Last week a woodcut of St. Lydwina on ice, probably the earliest skating print...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!