Skaters Near a Village
Artist: Isack van Ostade (Dutch, 1621-1649)
Date: 1640s
Dimensions:
H: 12 3/4 in. (32.3 cm); W: 17 3/4 in. (45.1 cm)
Medium: Oil on wood panel
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1953.76
Label Text:During the 17th century, northern Europe was affected by what is known as the Little Ice Age. The period of colder winters meant the frequent freezing over of Holland’s numerous canals. Many artists saw the pictorial and narrative possibilities of the festival-like atmosphere of villagers coming out to play on the ice. In this painting Haarlem artist Isaak van Ostade concentrates particularly on peasants taking advantage of the frozen landscape to ice-skate and sled, but also to go about their daily work.
On view
In Collection(s)