Artwork
On the Ice
On the Ice is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Aelbert Cuyp. It dates from 1655 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Completed in 1655, *On the Ice* is an oil painting by Dutch artist Aelbert Cuyp, a prominent figure of the Golden Age known for his bright, atmospheric landscapes. The canvas captures a winter scene on a frozen river, populated by skaters, a horse‑drawn cart selling refreshments, and a distant estate, all rendered beneath a cloudy sky.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on the Huis te Merwede estate, while foreground figures engage in typical Dutch winter pastimes, including ice skating and the sale of koek‑en‑zopie, a sweet drink offered to passersby on the ice. The work reflects everyday life and communal leisure during cold months, illustrating the social customs of 17th‑century Holland.
Technique & Style
Cuyp employs his characteristic handling of light, allowing the pale reflections on the ice to glow against the muted sky. Warm tonal variations in the figures’ clothing and the cart contrast with cooler blues of the frozen surface, creating depth and a sense of movement. The brushwork balances fine detail in the foreground with broader, atmospheric treatment of distant architecture and trees.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the Alte Pinakothek’s collection in Munich, where it has been displayed since its acquisition in the 19th century. Its provenance traces back to private Dutch collections before entering the museum’s holdings, confirming its status as a representative example of Cuyp’s winter landscapes.
Context
Cuyp, born in Dordrecht and trained by his father Jacob Gerritszoon Cuyp, belonged to a family of painters active in the Dutch Republic. *On the Ice* fits within the broader genre of landscape painting that flourished during the Golden Age, where artists often depicted seasonal activities to showcase both natural light and local customs.
Artist & collection
Artist
Aelbert Jacobszoon Cuyp or Cuijp (Dutch pronunciation: ; 20 October 1620 – 15 November 1691) was one of the leading Dutch Golden Age painters, producing mainly landscapes.
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