Winter Scene c. 1786

Francisco Goya painted this small oil on canvas, titled "Winter Scene," with no known date, that portrays a group of people struggling through harsh winter conditions. Goya was a court painter in late 18th and early 19th century Spain. He was employed by the Spanish Crown, and his art often depicted the lives of the aristocracy. But, like many artists of his time, he also had a keen interest in the lives of ordinary people. This painting stands out for its focus on poverty and the effects of a brutal environment. Note the bare trees and the snow-laden sky, which visually amplify the suffering of the figures. The inclusion of dead animals suggests a society where even basic survival is a daily challenge. Art historians can look to period documents, such as records of food prices and weather patterns, to understand the social conditions that shaped Goya's artistic vision.