Skating Masquerade, or Carnival on Ice at the Kipdorppoort Moats in Antwerp

Van Alsloot employs a muted palette of dark blues, grays and softened earth tones, allowing the figures’ bright attire to stand out. His handling of light on the ice and the subtle modeling of clouds demonstrates a careful observation of atmospheric effects typical of the Sonian Forest school’s landscape tradition.

The work, originally executed for a private patron, entered the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it remains part of the museum’s holdings of Flemish Baroque painting. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s Brussels workshop and subsequent acquisition by Spanish collectors in the 18th century.

Van Alsloot, known for documenting local festivals and ceremonies, often depicted the interplay between urban settings and natural elements. This painting situates the festive ice‑skating tradition within the specific topography of Antwerp’s defensive moats, illustrating how public celebrations were integrated into the city’s infrastructure.