6813524 Alfred Von Wierusz-Kowalski (1849-1915)

The canvas presents a wintry scene dominated by a sense of quiet labor and rural existence. Here we observe a team of horses harnessed to a sleigh laden with logs, positioned in a snow-covered field. The animals appear weary, their heads bowed low against the weight of the load and perhaps the chill of the air. Their dark brown coats contrast sharply with the surrounding expanse of white.
To the right of the horses, seated within the sleigh, is a figure clad in dark clothing, including a fur-trimmed hat that obscures much of his face. He seems to be observing the landscape, or possibly directing the team, though his posture conveys an air of detachment rather than active engagement. A hunting dog stands attentively near the sleigh, its gaze fixed forward, suggesting a purpose beyond mere transportation.
The background is characterized by a muted palette and indistinct forms. A large tree, rendered in dense brushstrokes of brown and green, occupies the upper right corner, providing a visual anchor but also contributing to the feeling of enclosure. The sky above is pale and diffused, hinting at an overcast day or perhaps the fading light of dusk.
The artist’s application of paint emphasizes texture; the snow appears thick and granular, while the tree foliage is rendered with impasto strokes that create a sense of depth and volume. This attention to surface detail contributes to the overall realism of the depiction.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of perseverance and resilience in the face of harsh conditions. The labor involved in transporting the wood suggests a connection to the land and the necessity for survival. The solitary figure within the sleigh might represent a contemplative observer of this rural life, or perhaps embodies the quiet dignity of those who toil in obscurity. There is an underlying melancholy present; the stillness of the scene, combined with the muted colors and weary animals, conveys a sense of isolation and the cyclical nature of work and hardship. The presence of the hunting dog introduces a note of anticipation – a suggestion that beyond this moment of rest, there lies another purpose, another task to be undertaken.