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Artwork

The Vijverberg, The Hague in winter, with Prince Maurits and his retinue in the foreground

Adam van Breen , 1618

The Vijverberg, The Hague in winter, with Prince Maurits and his retinue in the foreground, by Adam van Breen, oil, 1618
The Vijverberg, The Hague in winter, with Prince Maurits and his retinue in the foreground, by Adam van Breen, oil, 1618

The Vijverberg, The Hague in winter, with Prince Maurits and his retinue in the foreground is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Adam van Breen. It dates from 1618 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a winter landscape of the Vijverberg in The Hague, characterized by snow-covered grounds and ice where figures are seen skating.

The painting depicts a winter landscape of the Vijverberg in The Hague, characterized by snow-covered grounds and ice where figures are seen skating. The central subject is Prince Maurits accompanied by his retinue, positioned prominently in the foreground against the backdrop of the frozen scene. As a work of genre art and landscape painting from 1618, the piece captures a specific moment of Dutch winter life, combining the natural environment of ice and sky with the social presence of the ruling elite.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1618, this work by Adam van Breen is an oil painting applied on a wooden panel support. The composition functions as a winter landscape, capturing a scene of ice skating and snow. Stylistically, the piece blends genre art with landscape traditions, focusing on the depiction of Prince Maurits and his retinue within the foreground of the frozen Vijverberg in The Hague.

The handling of the oil medium allows for the detailed rendering of the figures against the expansive, snowy environment.

History & Provenance

The painting was created by Adam van Breen in 1618. Executed in oil on panel, the work measures approximately 71.5 centimetres in height and 133.5 centimetres in width. It is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, having previously been associated with the Nederlandsch Museum and the Amsterdam Museum. The specific accession number and any documented exhibition history are not provided in the available sources.

Overview

Adam van Breen's oil painting, The Vijverberg, The Hague in winter, with Prince Maurits and his retinue in the foreground, dates from 1618. This landscape captures a lively winter day in The Hague, showcasing a frozen canal bustling with activity. The work is an example of Dutch Golden Age genre painting, depicting both everyday life and specific historical figures within a recognizable setting. It is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum.

The Blauwpoort in Leiden in the winter
The Blauwpoort in Leiden in the winter, Abraham Beerstraaten

Artist & collection

Artist

Adam van Breen

Adam van Breen (1585–1642) was an artist, born in Amsterdam.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Rijksmuseum. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Vijverberg, The Hague in winter, with Prince Maurits and his retinue in the foreground?

The Vijverberg, The Hague in winter, with Prince Maurits and his retinue in the foreground was painted by Adam van Breen in 1618-01-01.

Where can I see The Vijverberg, The Hague in winter, with Prince Maurits and his retinue in the foreground?

The Vijverberg, The Hague in winter, with Prince Maurits and his retinue in the foreground is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is The Vijverberg, The Hague in winter, with Prince Maurits and his retinue in the foreground?

The Vijverberg, The Hague in winter, with Prince Maurits and his retinue in the foreground is associated with Dutch Golden Age.