A Winter Landscape with Ice Skaters and an Imaginary Castle
The Met
Artist: Christoffel van den Berghe(Dutch, Antwerp ca. 1590–1628 or later, active Middelburg)
Date: ca. 1615–20
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on wood
Dimensions: Overall, with added strips, 11 x 18 3/8 in. (27.9 x 46.7 cm); painted surface 10 3/4 x 18 in. (27.3 x 45.7 cm)
Credit Line: From the Collection of Rita and Frits Markus, Bequest of Rita Markus, 2005
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
Figures skate on frozen water near a large castle and bare trees in a winter landscape
Detailed Description
The painting depicts a wide, horizontal winter scene under a muted, overcast sky. A large, dark red castle with multiple towers and spires dominates the central background, situated on the far side of a frozen expanse. This icy surface is populated by dozens of small figures, many appearing to be ice skating or walking. To the left, two large, gnarled bare trees with dark branches frame a cluster of snow-covered houses with red roofs. More bare trees are scattered across the landscape, particularly on the right side. In the foreground, groups of figures are gathered on the ice and along the banks. On the left, a small boat is partially frozen into the ice near a group of people. Figures in various dark-colored clothing, some with hats and cloaks, are visible across the ice, engaged in activities like skating, conversing, or standing. Some figures appear to be playing a game with sticks. On the right, more houses with red and pinkish roofs are visible in the distance, and a few figures are seen walking on a snow-covered path. The overall color palette is dominated by grays, browns, and muted reds. Small black birds are visible in the sky and perched on the bare tree branches.
Generated by gemini-2.5-flash
