Ships in the Ice, George Hendrik Breitner, 1901
oil on canvas, h 115cm × w 163cm More details
Using thick layers of dark paint, Breitner depicted traditional wooden boats. They seem to be robust and indestructible, but are stuck in the ice. Looming up behind their masts are large steel steamships painted in lighter, almost transparent colours. They sail in open water. Old and modern times are thus contrasted.
