Winter Afternoon, painted circa 1940, by Ernest Lindner is a watercolor painting that captures the serene beauty of a winter landscape. Lindner, a notable artist, often focused on the subtleties of light and atmosphere in his works, and this piece is an excellent example of his skill.

The painting presents a view through a foreground of evergreen trees heavy with snow, their branches drooping under the weight. The trees frame a frozen body of water, possibly a lake or river, which reflects the soft pastel colors of the winter sky. The distant shoreline is dotted with warm hues of winter foliage, creating a sense of depth and contrast against the snow-covered ground. The sky, painted in gentle shades of blue and violet, suggests the quiet and crisp atmosphere of a winter afternoon. Lindner's use of light and shadow is masterful, as he captures the low angle of the sun casting subtle shadows on the snow, which is rendered in whites and soft blues to suggest its coolness and texture. The inclusion of tall grasses in the foreground adds a touch of warmth to the otherwise cool palette and hints at the resilience of nature, even in the dormant season.

Lindner's Winter Afternoon is evocative of the peaceful and contemplative mood that a snowy landscape can evoke. It's a piece that invites the viewer to appreciate the stillness and silence of the winter season.