Winter SceneJohann Jongkind · 1871

Identification of Winter Scene by Johan Jongkind

The oil on canvas work titled Winter Scene was executed by the Dutch artist Johan Jongkind. This specific painting dates to 1871. The artist applied his signature and the date, Jongkind 1871, in the lower left corner of the composition.

The work is a landscape depicting a winter environment. It measures 46.4 x 34.3 cm. The subject matter features a man riding a horse in the foreground, positioned toward the center of the frame. In the background, two windmills are visible, one located near the top-left corner and another toward the middle-right area. Several birds appear throughout the scene, with some in flight near the horse and others positioned higher in the sky.

Composition and Visual Elements of the Scene

The composition is organized around a central figure of a man riding a horse. The horse is positioned on the left side of the foreground, while the rider is situated toward the center of the frame. This movement leads the eye across the lower plane of the work. Above this central activity, the landscape extends toward a distant horizon where two windmills are visible. One windmill is located near the top-left corner, and a second windmill is placed closer to the middle-right area of the painting.

The sky and the surrounding atmosphere contain several birds scattered throughout the scene. Some of these birds fly in close proximity to the horse, while others are positioned higher in the sky. The arrangement of these elements creates a sense of stillness. The scene captures a moment of tranquility during the winter season, defined by the presence of snow and the quietude of the landscape.

Provenance and Collection History

The history of this oil on canvas work includes a period in Paris, where it was held by Charles de Bériot. The painting later entered the collection of William L. Elkins. This acquisition is documented within The William L. Elkins Collection.

The work is currently held in the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia. It is identified by the accession number E1924-3-84. The physical object remains part of the museum's permanent holdings.