Skating scene with a tent and numerous figures on a wide river

Poel, Egbert van der 1621 - 1664

Summary

In the 17th century, winters in Europe were far more severe than they are today. The canals and harbours of The Netherlands froze over every year, transforming both the landscape and the lives of the people. This winter landscape shows a broad frozen river, busy with skaters at work and play. A tall narrow refreshment tent stands on the rocky shore in the left foreground, with a Dutch flag tied to its apex. Small groups have congregated in front of it, including three people in a horse-drawn sledge. Other sledges can be seen, pulled by horses or pushed by hand. In the right foreground two boys play ball, slipping and sliding on the ice. Churches, windmills and another tent can be seen on the horizon. Little is known of the life of Egbert van der Poel, who painted landscapes, genre scenes, marines and portraits. He trained in Rotterdam with Cornelis van Saftleven and was active there from 1636-1650. He joined the Guild of St Luke in Delft in 1650 and was active there until 1654, when he moved back to Rotterdam. He died in Rotterdam ten years later at the age of 41.