A nostalgic Victorian Santa Claus in a fur-trimmed burgundy velvet coat with antique gold scrollwork rests a gentle hand on his reindeer, whose muzzle is dusted with snow. Soft flakes drift through a hazy slate-blue forest behind them.

Thick, curling impasto strokes shape the beard and fur over a visible canvas grain, while warm light on the faces and dusty reds, creams and umber browns give the scene the glow of a treasured vintage Christmas card.