Who painted Schlittenfahrt am Zürichsee?

Schlittenfahrt am Zürichsee was painted by Conrad Meyer in 1660.

Where can I see Schlittenfahrt am Zürichsee?

Schlittenfahrt am Zürichsee is held by Kunsthaus Zürich.

Artwork

Schlittenfahrt am Zürichsee

Schlittenfahrt am Zürichsee is an oil painting by Conrad Meyer. It dates from 1660 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Schlittenfahrt am Zürichsee is a 1660 oil painting by Conrad Meyer, a Zürich-based artist known for his diverse output in painting, engraving, and medallion design. The work captures a specific moment of winter activity on Lake Zürich.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a lively winter scene featuring a horse-drawn sleigh in motion on the frozen Lake Zürich. Figures include a seated woman in the sleigh and two men pulling it, set against a backdrop of buildings and bare trees, evoking the social and recreational aspects of 17th-century Zürich life.

Technique & Style

Meyer employs a contrast of warm and cool colors to create depth, with the brown horse, red sleigh interior, and dressed figures juxtaposed against the gray sky and icy landscape. The composition conveys a sense of dynamic movement through the arrangement of figures and the suggestion of motion in the sleigh and horse.

History & Provenance

Created in 1660, the painting is now part of the Kunsthaus Zürich's collection, reflecting its local significance and artistic heritage.

Context

While Meyer later shifted focus towards copper engraving, producing over a thousand engravings, this painting represents his earlier work in oil, blending portrait and landscape elements characteristic of his multifaceted career.

Legacy

Schlittenfahrt am Zürichsee stands as a notable example of 17th-century Swiss painting, offering insights into the daily life and landscapes of the period, though Meyer's broader legacy is more prominently marked by his prolific engraving work.