Street in Florence in the rain. 1888 Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

The canvas presents a view down a narrow urban thoroughfare, seemingly within a densely built-up European city. Buildings rise on either side, their facades rendered in muted earth tones – ochres, browns, and creams – with shutters predominantly painted green. The architecture suggests an older construction style, characterized by relatively simple forms and repetitive window arrangements. A palpable sense of enclosure is created by the close proximity of these structures.
The atmospheric conditions are immediately apparent; a pervasive rain has dampened the scene. The street surface reflects light in shimmering pools, distorting the outlines of figures and carriages that traverse it. These reflections contribute to an overall feeling of visual instability and a softening of sharp edges. A hazy quality permeates the air, obscuring details further into the distance and diminishing color saturation.
Several human figures are discernible within the scene, though their forms are somewhat indistinct due to the rain and distance. They appear to be pedestrians carrying umbrellas, suggesting an everyday occurrence rather than a special event. A horse-drawn carriage is positioned in the foreground, its presence adding to the sense of urban life continuing despite the inclement weather.
The artist’s brushwork appears loose and expressive, prioritizing capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere over precise detail. The application of paint is thick in places, creating a textured surface that enhances the impression of dampness and visual complexity. Theres an intentional lack of clarity; details are suggested rather than explicitly defined.
Subtly, the painting conveys a mood of quiet melancholy or introspection. The muted palette, the pervasive rain, and the obscured figures all contribute to this feeling. It is not a scene of vibrant activity but one of subdued urban existence – a moment captured in time where the ordinary unfolds under less-than-ideal conditions. The composition directs the viewer’s gaze down the street, creating a sense of depth and inviting contemplation about what lies beyond the immediate view.