ATTRIBUTED TO Pieter CASTEELS II (1650 - circa 1701) "Ice Pleasures on the Frozen Scheldt in Antwerp". Oil on canvas, 1684. 19th century stretcher. H. 67.5 x W. 88 cm. (Unframed, old reupholstery, old restorations, craquelures) Note: This unusual winter scene is an unusual view of the Scheldt and the city of Antwerp, dominated by its most emblematic monuments, from left to right: the church of Saint Walburge, the Werf Gate, the Werf, the Cathedral of Our Lady, the unloading crane, the fishmongers' tower, the church of Saint Andrew, the bakers' tower, the Scheldt water gate (Waterpoort), the abbey church of Saint Michael. In the 17th century, during the coldest winters, the people of Antwerp did not hesitate to organise trade fairs and other events on the frozen river. Here, the artist depicts all this activity and social diversity. We see carriages, sleighs, skaters and their inevitable falls. Crowds stroll along the ice between the tents and other small stalls selling food and goods, entertainments with musicians, street shows and gambling. In the middle, three flaming barrels, fixed to the top of a pole, provide an unlikely light in the middle of the river on this winter's day. Pieter Casteels II was a Flemish painter best known for his imaginary Italian landscapes and views of ports and Antwerp. An engraving made from this painting in 1684 can be seen in the collections of the Rijksmuseum (inventory number RP-P-OB-82.530). Provenance: private collection, Küttigen,