#19507 Mariano De Cossio

The painting presents a rural scene dominated by a modest dwelling nestled within a rugged landscape. Here we observe a low-slung structure built from rough-hewn stone and topped with a dark, steeply pitched roof. The facade is simple, punctuated by a single window framed in what appears to be wood or painted plaster, and a plain wooden door. A small porch extends from the front of the house, constructed from similar materials as the walls.
The immediate foreground features two figures engaged in an activity that remains somewhat ambiguous; one seems to be leaning on a tool while the other is tending to a horse tied nearby. A dog sits attentively at their feet. The attire of these individuals suggests a working-class background, with simple garments and worn shoes.
Behind the house rises a dramatic mountain range, rendered in muted earth tones – browns, greens, and grays – that convey a sense of imposing scale and natural grandeur. The mountains are densely forested on one side, while the other reveals sheer rock faces, hinting at geological complexity. A narrow valley separates the dwelling from the peaks, creating a visual enclosure around the human settlement.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and textured, contributing to an overall impression of immediacy and authenticity. Light appears to be diffused, casting soft shadows and minimizing harsh contrasts. This contributes to a sense of quietude and tranquility.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of resilience and adaptation. The house, though humble, stands firmly against the backdrop of formidable natural forces. It suggests a life lived in close proximity to nature, one characterized by labor and dependence on the land. The figures’ presence implies a connection to this environment, a sense of belonging rooted in tradition and hard work. There is an underlying feeling of isolation, but also of quiet dignity within this remote setting.