Schaatsers op een bevroren vaart aan de voet van een molen c. 1825 - 1829

This subtle drawing of skaters by Andreas Schelfhout captures a serene winter scene using graphite on paper. The composition is immediately striking: the lower third is anchored by a detailed depiction of a windmill and buildings, while the upper portion opens into a vast expanse of ice and sky. Schelfhout's use of line is particularly effective. Delicate, almost hesitant strokes define the architecture and the bare trees, contrasting with the more confident marks that suggest the movement of skaters on the frozen canal. The limited tonal range focuses our attention on the formal arrangement of elements within the frame, asking us to consider how these shapes and lines interact to create a sense of depth and space. The drawing thus presents us with a study in contrasts: between detail and open space, stillness and movement. Schelfhout invites us to look beyond the picturesque subject matter and to consider the fundamental elements of representation and perception that underpin our understanding and engagement with the visual world.