Farmyard in Winter 1786

Jacob Cats’ “Farmyard in Winter,” a delicate watercolor painting from 1786, depicts a serene winter scene. The artwork captures a moment of quietude in a rural farmyard, with a snow-covered farmhouse and bare-branched trees framing the scene. The figures in the foreground, presumably farmhands, add a sense of scale and activity to the composition. The use of browns, grays, and pale blues evokes the cool and muted colors of a winter landscape, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The small size of the piece, measuring only 11.5 x 17.8 cm, adds to its intimate charm.