The Beginning of Winter
1850
From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst
1850
From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst
This black-and-white image shows a quiet, misty landscape. In the foreground, a frozen river cuts across the scene, with a few small shapes—maybe people or animals—scattered on the ice. The sky above is pale and hazy, blending into the distant horizon where a few dark, jagged forms float like smoke or birds. The artist used soft, blurred edges to create a dreamy, almost ghostly feel, making it hard to tell where one thing ends and another begins. This style makes the scene feel mysterious, like a moment caught between light and shadow. If you like this look, check out chiaroscuro.