This late 19th-century oil painting by German artist Heinrich Gogarten (1850-1911) depicts a mother and child making their way along a muddy track through a snow-covered landscape. Even on the coldest of days, companionship perseveres. 

Walking side by side, the pair cross the frozen fields via a path that countless others have travelled before them. Perhaps they're returning home or making their way to Sunday worship at the distant church. Above them, a flock of birds head in the same direction, guiding the eye, while the last warm light breaks beneath heavy clouds.

Gogarten was particularly admired for scenes like this. Having trained under Oswald Achenbach in Düsseldorf before studying in Paris, he became known for atmospheric winter landscapes with deftly handled light effects. Here, the broad sweep of untouched snow contrasts beautifully with the winding road, compelling us to wander alongside this pair. Every element feels carefully poised - from the delicate bare trees to the soft reflections in the thawing pools of water.

Today, Gogarten's paintings are admired for his ability to transform everyday moments into scenes of quiet reflection. 

Signed/dated in the lower right and held in a gilt frame.

Learn more about Heinrich Gogarten in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas laid on board
Overall size: 38½” x 23½” / 98cm x 60cm
Year of creation: 1889
Provenance: Private collection, Vienna, Austria.
Condition: Cleaned. Craquelure in areas. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Artist’s auction maximum: £4,364 achieved in 2009 for ‘Sunset Over Winter Forest (1881)’.
Our reference: BRV2301