Artwork

The Wolves on the Ice

The Wolves on the Ice, by Allart van Everdingen, ink, 1650
The Wolves on the Ice, by Allart van Everdingen, ink, 1650

The Wolves on the Ice is an ink print by the Baroque artist Allart van Everdingen. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Wolves on the Ice is an etching created by Allart van Everdingen around 1650. It is a representative work of the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by significant advancements in painting and printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a group of wolves on a frozen lake, surrounded by trees. The scene presents a serene yet potentially ominous winter landscape, inviting the viewer to contemplate the relationship between the animals and their environment.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching, a technique involving scratching a design into a metal plate, The Wolves on the Ice showcases intricate details and textures. The use of etching allowed Everdingen to achieve a high level of precision and complexity in the composition.

History & Provenance

Allart van Everdingen was a Dutch painter and printmaker active during the 17th century. As a contributor to the Dutch Golden Age, his work in etching and mezzotint helped shape the artistic landscape of the time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Allart van Everdingen

Artist

Allart van Everdingen

Allaert van Everdingen (Dutch pronunciation: ; bapt. 18 June 1621 – 8 November 1675 (buried)), was a Dutch Golden Age painter and printmaker in etching and mezzotint.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.