We entered the second week of our Art Blogmas here at the Culture Tourist. And today, I have a true gem for you: Wouter Johannes van Troostwijk and his The Raampoortje in Amsterdam.

Art Blogmas 2022

With the fairytale gabled houses and so many canals, Amsterdam has a perfect setting for a magical winter. But, sadly, winters are not as cold as they used to be in the Dutch capital. That’s why The Raampoortje in Amsterdam, painted by Wouter Johannes van Troostwijk provides a perfect peek into winter in Amsterdam.

Read more: Christmas in Amsterdam

Wouter Johannes van Troostwijk: The Raampoortje in Amsterdam

Although at first glance, this painting may seem older than it is, it was actually made at the beginning of the 19th century, in 1809. Depicted are the old ramparts and the city gates. Both of them don’t exist in Amsterdam anymore.

However, some of Amsterdam’s landmarks can be recognised in this painting. The tower on the right-hand side of the picture is the Westertoren. It belongs to one of the most important churches in the city – Westerkerk. It’s a place where the famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn was buried. And the ringing of its bells was described in Anne Frank’s Diary.

Read more: Rembrandt in Amsterdam

The painter captured winter in Amsterdam perfectly. All of that is typical for the Dutch capital, from the gloomy sky to the frozen canals.

In the manner of the Dutch Golden Age painters from the 17th century, a painter includes some humour in the painting, too. A man is urinating just next to the city gates. A lady close to him looks like she’s waiting for him to finish his business. Well, it seems like just the other everyday-life scene from Amsterdam.

This painting is displayed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. To see more of the artworks from it, watch my video below:

If you don’t want to miss other paintings I’m going to share with you in this year’s Art Blogmas, be sure to check in here tomorrow morning. Or, follow along on the Culture Tourist Facebook page and Instagram profile.