Drawing the Eel
The Met
Artist: Salomon van Ruysdael(Dutch, Naarden, born ca. 1600–1603, died 1670 Haarlem)
Date: early 1650s
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on wood
Dimensions: 29 1/2 x 41 3/4 in. (74.9 x 106 cm)
Credit Line: Purchase, 1871
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A winter landscape with people gathered near a large building and others skating on ice
Detailed Description
A wide, horizontal winter scene is set under a cloudy sky. The upper half is dominated by a light blue sky with soft, grey and white clouds, appearing brighter towards the horizon. The foreground features dark brown, uneven ground, possibly frozen earth or mud, with a few bare, gnarled trees on the left side. In the midground, to the right, a large, multi-story building with a reddish-brown tiled roof and light-colored walls stands prominently. A flag with horizontal stripes, possibly red and white, flies from a pole on the roof. Numerous people are gathered in front of and around this building, some on horseback, dressed in long coats, hats, and other layered clothing. Several individuals stand in groups, while a few dogs are visible on the ground near them. To the left and center midground, a vast, flat expanse, likely frozen water or ice, stretches into the distance. Many small figures are scattered across this ice, some appearing to be skating or pulling sleds. A few small structures or tents are also visible on the ice. In the far distance, a faint church spire can be seen against the hazy horizon, slightly left of center.
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