The viewer is positioned on the outside looking in. Two trees on either side seem to threaten the idea of entering the gates. The mansion beyond the coutyard seems like a desirable place to be, since it is cold and snowy out. A sense of longing is created and the idea of its satisfaction. A mansion speaks of things like rich aristocratic families and of inheritance. Does this mansion belong to the viewer? Is he or she part of this family? Has he or she finally come home from a long and wearisome adventure?