Andries Vermeulen

Andries Vermeulen was a Dutch painter, born on March 23, 1763, in Dordrecht and died on July 6, 1814, in Amsterdam. He belonged to the neoclassical movement, which is characterized by a reinterpretation of classical themes and forms.

The son of landscape painter Cornelis Vermeulen, he received his first painting lessons from his father, who introduced him to the techniques and styles of the old masters. Andries began his artistic career by imitating the style of famous 17th-century landscapists, notably Meindert Hobbema and Isaack van Ostade.

After working in Dordrecht, he moved to Amsterdam in 1803, where he received notable commissions, including one to create a panorama of the city, inspired by Pierre Prévost’s Panorama of Paris. Unfortunately, this project remained unfinished at his death.

He is recognized for his works featuring scenes of ice skating, rural landscapes, and winter scenes. The artist is characterized by his meticulousness and attention to detail. His style is distinguished by a search for balance and clarity in composition. He often uses a limited palette of dark and earthy tones, reflecting his admiration for ancient art.

“The Ruins of the Temple of Hercules at Corinth” and “The Waterfall in the Scottish Mountains” illustrate his skill in portraying dramatic landscapes. “The Skaters” is one of his notable works. It depicts a lively scene on a frozen canal and is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.