Authentication, appraisal, condition report, proposal for restoration, collection management advice
Painter
P. Brueghel II
Title of painting
Winter landscape with skaters and bird trap
Date
1560 – 1570
Location of painting
Switzerland
Type of owner
Private collector
Project status
First phase completed
Restoration
An initial examination was undertaken in order to establish the condition of the painting, its authenticity, and provide advice on immediate preventive conservation treatments. Furthermore, proposals were made involving minimal restoration interventions to prepare the painting for future exhibitions and loans.
The ¨Winter landscape with bird trap¨ is considered to be one of the most famous images of winter. The composition features a frozen river winding its way through a snow-clad Brabant village, set against a winter landscape with trees. Figures of old and young are shown going about their business on the frozen banks of the river, and yet the peaceful harmony of existence is tarnished by the presence of a bird trap in the foreground of the painting.