IJsgang in Mülheim aan de Rijn, 1784 1784 - 1785

This is Mathias de Sallieth's 1784 depiction of "Ice Passage in Mülheim on the Rhine", created with pen and gray ink. The work captures a scene of dynamic tension and precarious balance. Notice how the city, usually stable, is besieged by the chaotic movement of the ice floes. The artist uses a monochromatic palette to emphasize the interplay of light and shadow across the scene. This formal choice sharpens the contrast between the solidity of the architecture and the fluid, fractured nature of the ice. The composition is structured around a clear horizontal axis, dividing the tumultuous river from the ominous sky, yet both elements converge to create a sense of impending drama. The use of linear perspective draws the eye into the depths of the scene, where the buildings stand as silent witnesses to the power of the natural world. This engraves the city's vulnerability. Ultimately, the formal qualities of the work invite contemplation on themes of nature versus civilization and the ephemeral nature of stability.