Winter
1625
Jan van Goyen captures the chilly joy of a Dutch winter in this circular masterpiece from 1625, right at the start of his career. A massive, leafless tree frames the left side, its gnarled branches reaching over a bustling frozen river where villagers skate, chat, and slide past a grand brick manor. This early work shows Van Goyen mastering the 'tondo' shape, packing a lively community scene into a perfect circle. It’s a vivid snapshot of the Little Ice Age, a time when frozen canals became the ultimate playground for the 17th-century Netherlands, turning harsh weather into a festive occasion.
- Technique
- oil on panel
- Material
- wood panel
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