Jan van Goyen, Colf Players At the Right On the Ice Near Dordrecht. 1643

Colf Players At the Right On the Ice Near Dordrecht. 1643. Jan van Goyen (1596 – 1656)

The low horizon line of this picture emphasizes the most prominent characteristic of the Dutch countryside—its flatness. Several Dutch artists working in the middle years of the 17th century focused on this aspect of their native land. Using a limited number of colors, Jan van Goyen captures the tonal variations in the clouds and the reflected light on the cool ice below.

Oil on panel. 14 5/8 x 13 1/4 in. / 37.1 x 33.7 cm

Saint Louis Art Museum (223:1916), Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

Source: Do Smit