Winter landscape. Study (1917) Nikolay Feshin (1881-1955)

The canvas presents a scene of rural winter, executed with a visible impasto technique that emphasizes texture and light. Here we see a cluster of buildings huddled together against a backdrop of snow-covered ground. The structures are rendered in muted earth tones – ochre, brown, and grey – punctuated by the occasional splash of red on one roofline, providing a focal point within the otherwise monochromatic palette.
The artist’s brushstrokes are loose and expressive, conveying a sense of immediacy and capturing the fleeting qualities of light reflecting off snow. The application is particularly thick in areas representing drifts and shadows, creating a palpable three-dimensionality. A figure, seemingly bundled against the cold, stands near one of the buildings; their presence suggests human habitation within this stark environment.
The composition lacks a clear horizon line, contributing to a feeling of enclosure and intimacy. The viewer’s perspective seems close to the ground, further emphasizing the weight of the snow and the solidity of the structures. This low vantage point also draws attention to the details of the buildings surfaces – the rough-hewn wood, the uneven plaster – suggesting age and weathering.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of winter scenery, the painting evokes a sense of quiet solitude and resilience. The tightly grouped buildings might symbolize community and shared hardship in the face of harsh conditions. The subdued color scheme and loose brushwork contribute to an atmosphere of melancholy, but also hint at a certain beauty found within simplicity and endurance. It is possible to interpret this as a study not just of landscape, but of human existence within a challenging natural world.