Clime, Winfield Scott (American, 1881-1958) American artists

The canvas presents a rural scene steeped in winters grip. A substantial barn dominates the composition, its weathered facade rendered in muted greens and yellows, suggesting age and exposure to the elements. Adjacent to it stands another structure, similarly aged, with a prominent wooden ladder affixed to its side. Snow blankets the ground, accumulating on rooftops and clinging to bare branches of trees that frame the scene.
A group of figures is visible near the barn; they appear engaged in some form of labor or activity related to the farms operations. A team of oxen pulls a laden cart across the snow-covered field, their reddish-brown hides providing a striking contrast against the predominantly cool palette. A lone figure, clad in dark clothing and holding what appears to be a long pole or staff, stands slightly apart from the group, observing the scene with an air of quiet contemplation.
The artist’s brushwork is characterized by visible strokes and a textured application of paint, contributing to a sense of immediacy and capturing the rough quality of the landscape. The light source seems diffuse, casting soft shadows and creating a hazy atmosphere that reinforces the feeling of cold and stillness.
Beyond the immediate foreground, a glimpse of another building can be discerned through the trees, hinting at a wider settlement or community. This placement suggests a connection between the farm and a larger social context, though the focus remains firmly on the isolated labor taking place within this particular setting.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of perseverance and resilience in the face of harsh conditions. The oxen’s steady progress across the snow-covered field symbolizes the relentless nature of work and the enduring connection between humans and animals in a rural economy. The solitary figures posture suggests a sense of responsibility or perhaps a quiet reflection on the cyclical rhythms of agricultural life, hinting at both the burdens and rewards inherent in such existence.