March

In 1895, Levitan worked at the Gorka estate in Tver province. Snowdrifts still belong to winter, but sunlight is changing the yard. He captures a seasonal transition through snow colours, exposed ground and a sunlit wooden wall.

A horse with a sleigh waits beside the house. Its small figure establishes the scale of trees and snowdrifts. Tracks and harness identify an inhabited place, although people remain outside the picture.

The doorway opens into a dark interior. Sunlight reaches the steps and exterior wall. The nearly black opening contrasts with bright wood, showing the strength of the light.

Blue and violet shadows cross the snow. Its white surface receives colour from surrounding light. Beside the house’s warm ochre, a single sunny day produces markedly different colour zones.

Thin birch branches rise into the blue sky. Without leaves, their divisions and a birdhouse remain visible. The trees identify the season before blossoms and other signs of late spring appear.

Wet ground emerges at the lower edge. A road bends between snowbanks toward the horse and house. Traces of movement connect the otherwise still yard.

Tretyakov acquired March from the artist in 1896. A brief observation becomes substantial through the coexistence of snow, warm wood, shadows and exposed earth. Together they communicate a season in transition.