I love this picture by Arthur J. Eisley (as I love all paintings that tell a story, that suggest and probe); not sure why. Perhaps the early snowfall this year here has made me think of it. The kids - snowballs ready, lie in wait to pelt the old man.
The aged traveler is unaware. His dog is alert, however, standing stock-still, worried, protective, ready to defend - if not too bark and scold.
The other, smaller dog of the children seems bemused, unaware of what they intend, enjoying perhaps their muffled laugher, their eager waiting.
The naughty boy, laden for torment, hands a fully formed ball to the golden haired girl, perhaps his sister. Delighted, she reaches out for it, unaware yet of its potential, its danger, its cold welcome.
What is the old man carrying? Like a shepherd he trudges through the cold and snow, staff in hand, carrying his bundles, his burden, though clearly not a sheep.
What’s in the bag? Gifts, food, belongings? Perhaps he is Grandad bringing treasures at Christmas time, his Santa beard white with age and frost.
It is bleak mid-winter; the children, eager, play; the dogs, alert, sense and wait. The adventure, the fun (?) Is about to begin.
What difference will it make?
The aged traveler is unaware. His dog is alert, however, standing stock-still, worried, protective, ready to defend - if not too bark and scold.
The other, smaller dog of the children seems bemused, unaware of what they intend, enjoying perhaps their muffled laugher, their eager waiting.
The naughty boy, laden for torment, hands a fully formed ball to the golden haired girl, perhaps his sister. Delighted, she reaches out for it, unaware yet of its potential, its danger, its cold welcome.
What is the old man carrying? Like a shepherd he trudges through the cold and snow, staff in hand, carrying his bundles, his burden, though clearly not a sheep.
What’s in the bag? Gifts, food, belongings? Perhaps he is Grandad bringing treasures at Christmas time, his Santa beard white with age and frost.
It is bleak mid-winter; the children, eager, play; the dogs, alert, sense and wait. The adventure, the fun (?) Is about to begin.
What difference will it make?
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