Ice Diversions (Skaters before the Town)

The Dutch artists of the 17th century are viewed as the inventors of landscape painting. The winter landscape was a recurring theme in Dutch painting. Depictions of ice skaters were especially popular examples of this genre, as can be seen in the painting by Klaes Molenaer. Despite the exuberant atmosphere of Droochsloot's painting, it also reminds the viewers of the consequences of winter and cold. Landscape painting of the time was intended not only to amuse, but to instruct.