Tholen briefly lived in Voorburg and explored the area on foot, taking a sketchbook with him at all times. One frosty winter's afternoon he must have been captivated by the romatic view from the other side of the Vliet canal, the water frozen and covered in snow, a row of trees in the distance.

When the painting came to auction in May 2026, it was not identified as a view of Hofwijck. The museum seized its opportunity, and is now researching the context of the piece. The painting is currently on display at Hofwijck.