hole in the ice

In The Hunters in the snow and in other winter landscape's what is the role of the hole in the ice?


The presence of holes in the ice in Pieter Bruegel the Elder's "The Hunters in the Snow" and other winter landscapes from the period serves a dual purpose: it grounds the scene in the reality of peasant life and adds a sense of unease.

A Glimpse into Daily Life
The holes in the ice are not random; they are a direct representation of a common winter activity: ice fishing. This detail roots the painting in the reality of peasant life in the 16th century, where people had to find ways to sustain themselves during the harsh winter months. By including these details, Bruegel provides a window into the everyday struggles and routines of the common people, contrasting the leisurely activity of hunting with the more mundane and necessary task of fishing.

A Hint of Danger and Unease
Beyond their function as a realistic detail, the holes in the ice introduce a subtle element of danger and instability. They act as a visual reminder of the precarious nature of the frozen surface. The ice, which appears solid and safe, is in fact a thin and potentially treacherous layer over a cold, deep body of water. This detail subtly introduces a sense of unease, suggesting that even in the midst of a seemingly idyllic winter scene, a hidden danger lurks beneath the surface.







Did the dwellers around 1565 in Low countries get water in winter from wells or from holes in the ice?


In the Low Countries around 1565, during the Little Ice Age, people relied on a variety of water sources, including wells, canals, rivers, and rainwater cisterns. When waterways froze in winter, people had to adapt their methods for getting water.

Adapting to Frozen Waterways
Wells: Wells were a crucial source of water year-round, as they tapped into groundwater and were often less susceptible to freezing than surface water. However, keeping pumps and well infrastructure from freezing over was a significant challenge that required labor and fuel.

Imported Water: In many coastal cities, such as Amsterdam, the local groundwater was too brackish to drink. These cities relied on imported fresh water from further upstream, which was transported by barges. During harsh winters when the rivers and canals froze, this supply was interrupted. To maintain a water supply, some brewers and water sellers would use horse-drawn icebreakers to keep a channel open, but this was not always possible.

Ice and Snow: When other sources failed, people would resort to using ice from canals and rivers for water, which they would melt. This practice was known to cause illnesses, as the water from canals could be contaminated. The holes in the ice depicted in paintings like Bruegel's "The Hunters in the Snow" are therefore not just for fishing, but also likely represent a way people obtained water when other, more reliable sources were frozen.