Schelfhout Andreas Mother and child on frozen river Sun Andreas Schelfhout

The canvas presents a wintry scene dominated by a frozen expanse of water, likely a river or canal. A pervasive sense of stillness and cold permeates the composition. The light source, positioned high in the sky, casts a warm, golden glow across the landscape, creating a contrast with the cool tones of the ice and snow.
A substantial manor house occupies the left side of the painting. Its brick facade is softened by a layer of frost, suggesting age and permanence within this seasonal environment. Bare trees surround the structure, their branches reaching towards the sky like skeletal fingers. The lack of foliage emphasizes the dormancy of nature during winter.
The frozen river becomes the central focus, populated with figures engaged in recreational activities. Several individuals are shown skating, while a group near the right edge appears to be transporting something on a makeshift sled or raft. A mother and child are depicted amongst them, adding a domestic element to the otherwise public scene of leisure. Their presence introduces an undercurrent of familial warmth against the backdrop of the frigid landscape.
In the distance, a windmill stands as a sentinel over the frozen terrain. Its form is softened by atmospheric perspective, indicating its considerable distance from the viewer. The sky itself is rendered with loose brushstrokes, suggesting movement and a diffused light quality characteristic of winter days.
The painting evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, one where outdoor recreation was intertwined with the rhythms of nature. It speaks to themes of community, resilience in harsh conditions, and the enduring beauty of the natural world even during its most austere season. The subdued palette and soft focus contribute to an overall feeling of tranquility and quiet contemplation.