From Lysaker (1909)

Erik Werenskiold, a distinguished Norwegian painter and illustrator, captures a serene, wintry scene in his painting titled "From Lysaker." Created in 1909, this artwork brilliantly encapsulates the essence of a frosty winter landscape near Lysaker, a suburb of Oslo, Norway.The painting presents a tranquil river, partially blanketed with ice, winding its way through the composition. Snow-covered banks flank the river, interspersed with leafless trees that stand as silent sentinels in the cold. A characteristic wooden boat, hibernating under a coat of snow, rests alongside the river, invoking the quiet and stillness of the season.To the left, a lamppost and a part of a building frame the scene, enhancing the feeling of a lived-in but momentarily paused environment. The muted palette, predominantly composed of whites, grays, and soft blues reflects the overcast winter sky and the chill in the air. The brushwork varies from fluid strokes representing the icy river to more defined textures that illustrate the crisp snow.Werenskiold's masterful use of light and shadow not only gives depth to the snowy landscape but also evokes the stark beauty and profound tranquility of the Norwegian winter.