Начало зимы 1904 Холст масло 61х90 см часть 1 - Russian and soviet artists Русские и советские художники

The canvas presents a wintry landscape dominated by a meandering river or stream partially frozen over. A small boat rests moored near the bank, its presence suggesting recent human activity and hinting at the waterways utility for transport or fishing. The immediate foreground is blanketed in snow, which contrasts with the dark, reflective surface of the water.
The artist has employed a muted palette, primarily consisting of browns, grays, and whites, to convey the somber atmosphere characteristic of early winter. The trees lining the riverbanks are bare, their skeletal branches reaching towards a heavy, overcast sky. This lack of foliage contributes to a sense of dormancy and stillness.
The composition is structured around the central waterway, which leads the viewers eye into the distance toward a hazy horizon line. A subtle gradation in tone suggests depth; the background landscape appears softened and less distinct than the nearer elements. The light source seems diffused, casting no harsh shadows and contributing to the overall feeling of quietude.
Beyond the immediate visual depiction, the painting evokes themes of solitude and the cyclical nature of time. The frozen river symbolizes a period of suspension or waiting, while the boat serves as a reminder of past activity and potential future renewal. There is an underlying melancholy present, not overtly expressed but subtly conveyed through the muted colors and barrenness of the scene. It speaks to a moment of transition – the end of autumn and the onset of winter – a time when nature appears to retreat into itself. The absence of human figures amplifies this sense of isolation, inviting contemplation on the relationship between humanity and the natural world during periods of quietude and change.