A band of water, streaked with reflections of brown, grey, and white, stretches across the foreground, its surface broken by short, rapid brushstrokes that suggest the movement of the Seine in winter. Beyond the riverbank, patches of snow lie unevenly on the ground, mingling with dark earth and tufts of grass, while a low fence and a small gate stand just left of center, partly obscured by a tangle of bare shrubs. A solitary figure in dark clothing appears near the fence, dwarfed by the surrounding landscape and facing toward the village.

The middle ground is dominated by a row of leafless trees, their trunks and branches rendered with loose, expressive marks, rising against the muted sky and partially veiling the buildings behind. Clustered houses and rooftops, dusted with snow, recede into the distance, their forms softened and blurred by the atmospheric handling of paint. At the center, the church tower of Vétheuil rises above the rooftops, its silhouette anchoring the composition and drawing attention to the heart of the village.

The sky is a pale, overcast grey, painted with thin, almost transparent layers, giving the scene a subdued, wintry light that diffuses across the landscape. The palette is dominated by cool whites, greys, and earthy browns, with subtle hints of blue and green in the shadows and water. Brushwork varies from broad, textured sweeps in the snow and water to finer, more agitated touches in the trees and buildings, creating a sense of immediacy and changing weather.

Paint is applied in layers that sometimes allow the canvas to show through, especially in the sky and along the river, enhancing the effect of cold air and fleeting light. Claude Monet creates this view of Vétheuil in the late 1870s, focusing on the effects of snow and winter atmosphere on the village and its surroundings. The subject is the riverside landscape of Vétheuil, with the Seine in the foreground and the village, including its church, rising behind a fringe of trees. Created during 1878-79, the painting reflects Monet's interest in capturing the transient effects of winter on familiar settings.