Windmill beside a frozen river 1860 - 1862

Andreas Schelfhout painted this oil on panel, “Windmill beside a frozen river,” some time in the first half of the 19th century. Here, Schelfhout depicts a tranquil winter scene in the Netherlands, with a family crossing a frozen river, a dog trotting beside them, and a windmill silhouetted against the pale sky. Paintings like this one gained popularity in the Netherlands during the Romantic era, reflecting a growing sense of national identity and pride in the Dutch landscape. They captured the essence of Dutch life and its connection to the land. Historical research into Dutch culture during the 1800s, including studies of its economy, environment, and social structure, can give us a better understanding of this painting. By studying these sources, we can better understand how the painting shows the relationship between the Dutch people and their environment and consider the role of art in shaping national identity.