A WINTERS DAY ON THE ICE – HENDRIK WILLEM SCHWEICKHARDT

Hendrik Willem Schweickhardt - Een winterdag met vele figuren op het ijs - Liquid Sky Gallery

A very spherical painting by Hendrik Willem Schweickhardt. A nice top example of an 18^th century winters day in Holland.
The composition at hand is perfectly balanced out over the entire scene. Due to the perfectly chosen point of view, the bridge seems to function as an arch for the horse drawn carriage in the center. Due to the master’s great eye for detail, all elements seem to harmoniously join together; the ice as a functional way of transportation, but then again also for great entertainment. The wooden bridge connecting the stone ruins, the large number of skaters in the background and even the two little birds on the branch of the trees, all element contribute to a very romantic scene

Artist: Hendrik Willem Schweickhardt (1747–1797)
Size: 40 x 44
Signed: Bottom center
Material: Oil on panel
Provenance: From a German collection

Price: 12.500 EUR

Bio:

Hendrik Willem Schweickhardt (1747–1797) was born in Hamm, Germany. As a young child he moved to The Hague where he received his first painting lessons by Hieronymus Lapis. Here he made a name for himself by painting very beautifully staffaged and balanced landscapes with cows, horses and sheep. He also made large sized 'wallpaper paintings' and cabinet pieces, often to furnish various country houses.
In 1786 he probably moved to London for economic reasons, where his works were immediately in great demand.
Katharina, his daughter, also learned to paint meritoriously but eventually became a poet and married Willem Bilderdijk.
His works can be found in the Rijksmuseum, among others.