Pescarenico in winter 1863

Gerolamo Induno painted “Pescarenico in Winter” to capture the essence of a winter's day with oil on canvas. The image is dominated by the village structures covered in snow, evoking a sense of stillness and quietude. Smoke rises from the chimneys, a motif that recurs across cultures and centuries. It symbolizes not only warmth and habitation but also the human presence amidst the cold. We can see how the depiction of smoke can be traced back to ancient Roman hearths, depicted in frescoes, symbolizing domestic life and spiritual offerings. Over time, its representation has evolved, appearing in Romantic landscapes to evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, its essence remains tied to notions of home, memory, and the human condition. The boats traversing the water symbolize journeys and the interconnectedness of life, reminding us of how symbols persist.