Schelfhout Andreas Scaters pushing sledge Sun 2 Andreas Schelfhout

The canvas presents a wintry scene dominated by a vast expanse of ice. Here we observe several figures engaged in activities related to winter recreation and labor. In the foreground, two individuals are pushing a sledge across the frozen surface; their postures suggest exertion against an unseen force. The sledge itself appears laden with something obscured from view, hinting at a practical purpose beyond mere amusement.
To the left of the central figures, a small sailing vessel is partially embedded in the ice, its mast rising starkly against the turbulent sky. This ship’s presence suggests a recent encounter with harsh weather conditions and implies that the frozen landscape extends further than what is immediately visible. A cluster of sails are draped nearby, likely belonging to other vessels caught by the same icy grip.
The right side of the composition features a small, weathered structure – possibly a shelter or storage building – partially obscured by blowing snow. The wind visibly whips around it, indicated by the swirling patterns in the snow and the bending of vegetation. A wooden fence provides a visual barrier between this structure and the open ice field.
The sky is rendered with dramatic intensity. Dark, brooding clouds fill most of the upper portion of the painting, creating a sense of impending weather or an already existing storm. Patches of lighter grey suggest breaks in the cloud cover, but these offer little warmth or reassurance. The overall effect is one of atmospheric pressure and coldness.
The color palette reinforces this impression: predominantly cool tones of blue, grey, and white dominate, with only subtle hints of warmer hues in the distant landscape. This restricted range contributes to a somber mood.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of human resilience against natures power. The figures’ labor on the ice, the ship trapped within it, and the sturdy structure enduring the wind all speak to an ongoing struggle for survival and adaptation in a harsh environment. There is also a sense of isolation; while people are present, they appear small and vulnerable within this immense, frozen world. The scene evokes not only the beauty but also the potential danger inherent in winter landscapes.