Tressoor #372 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The artwork presents a winter scene dominated by a substantial, fortified structure. The building, rendered in warm ochre and brown tones, rises several stories high with numerous windows punctuating its facade. Its architecture suggests a medieval or early Renaissance origin, characterized by crenellations along the roofline and prominent corner towers topped with conical spires. A sense of solidity and permanence emanates from this construction, anchoring the composition.
Before it stretches a frozen expanse – a lake or pond – reflecting the somber sky above. The surface is not entirely smooth; subtle variations in tone suggest uneven ice thickness and potential hidden depths. Several figures populate this icy plane, engaged in recreational activities. They appear to be skating and playing with a dog, their clothing suggesting a period of historical significance. Their postures and gestures convey a sense of leisure and enjoyment despite the cold environment.
The surrounding landscape is sparsely populated with bare trees, their branches reaching towards the overcast sky. The color palette is muted – primarily browns, grays, and whites – contributing to an atmosphere of quietude and melancholy. A dark band of foliage occupies the left foreground, providing a visual contrast to the lighter tones of the ice and building.
The artist’s technique appears to involve washes of color, creating a soft-edged effect that blurs details and contributes to the overall dreamlike quality of the scene. The limited depth of field focuses attention on the central elements – the structure and the figures on the ice – while the background fades into indistinctness.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of resilience and human activity within a harsh natural environment. The imposing building symbolizes stability and protection, while the figures skating on the frozen lake represent humanity’s ability to find joy and connection even in challenging circumstances. There is an underlying sense of nostalgia – a longing for a past era characterized by simpler pleasures and a closer relationship with nature. The subdued color scheme and soft focus contribute to this feeling, suggesting that the scene exists more as a memory than a direct observation.