Aert van der Neer

Aert van der Neer was born around 1603 in Gorinchem, the Netherlands, and became a distinctive painter of the Dutch Golden Age. He is best known for his atmospheric landscapes set at night, during winter, or along quiet riverbanks. Van der Neer developed a remarkable ability to capture moonlight, firelight, and reflections on water. His work conveys stillness and subtle drama through carefully balanced light and shadow.

Many of his paintings depict frozen canals with skaters or small groups gathered by fires, offering glimpses of daily life. He focused less on grand scenery and more on mood and atmosphere. Despite his talent, van der Neer struggled financially for much of his life. His art was more fully appreciated after his death. Aert van der Neer died in 1677. Today, he is admired for his poetic treatment of light and his contribution to Dutch landscape painting.