Who painted Winter Landscape?

Winter Landscape was painted by Jan Asselijn in 1645.

Where can I see Winter Landscape?

Winter Landscape is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Winter Landscape?

Winter Landscape is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Winter Landscape

Jan Asselijn , 1645

Winter Landscape is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Asselijn. It dates from 1645 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Jan Asselijn's painting, Winter Landscape, completed in 1645, captures a serene winter scene. Rendered on copper, this work depicts a frozen river bustling with activity, set against a snow-covered expanse. The composition includes various figures, animals, and architectural elements, characteristic of Dutch Golden Age landscape painting. It is currently housed in the State Hermitage Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The overall impression is one of quiet stillness, evoking a sense of a moment suspended in the cold winter air.

The painting portrays a frozen waterway, where several figures navigate the icy surface, some pulling a sled. Small boats are visible, trapped in the ice, alongside a distant house and a dog. The landscape is blanketed in snow, with bare trees dotting the horizon under a pale, cloudy sky. The overall impression is one of quiet stillness, evoking a sense of a moment suspended in the cold winter air.

Technique & Style

Asselijn's approach to light is evident in the soft luminescence of the snow, which appears to glow under the subtle illumination of the pale sky. This gentle light contrasts with the darker attire of the figures, making them stand out against the muted winter palette. The artist's choice of copper as a medium may have contributed to the smooth finish and precise detail, enhancing the tranquil and crisp atmosphere of the scene.

History & Provenance

This Winter Landscape by Jan Asselijn, painted in the mid-17th century, has found its permanent home within a significant public collection. The artwork is currently preserved and exhibited at the State Hermitage Museum, where it contributes to the institution's extensive holdings of Dutch Golden Age art.