Evening Star, private collection Wilhelm Kotarbiński (1849-1922)

The composition presents a nocturnal landscape dominated by a body of water, likely a pond or lake, viewed from a low vantage point. The scene is enveloped in deep shadows, with the majority of the canvas consumed by darkness that presses in on all sides. A narrow band of illuminated area draws the eye towards the central subject matter: a cluster of luminous white flowers rising from the dark waters. These blossoms are rendered with a delicate touch, their petals appearing almost translucent against the somber backdrop. Several lily pads float serenely upon the waters surface, each bearing a single flower that mirrors the larger grouping on the right.
The artist has employed a restricted palette, relying primarily on shades of gray, black, and muted greens to convey the atmosphere of twilight or early evening. The limited color range contributes significantly to the painting’s overall mood of quiet contemplation and melancholy. A single star is visible in the distance, positioned high above the horizon line; its faint glow provides a subtle counterpoint to the concentrated luminosity of the flowers below.
The arrangement of elements suggests a deliberate attempt to create a sense of depth and perspective. The dense vegetation on the right side of the canvas serves as a visual barrier, while the receding shoreline in the background establishes spatial distance. The water itself acts as a reflective surface, blurring the boundaries between foreground and background and adding to the painting’s dreamlike quality.
Subtly, the work evokes themes of fragility and resilience. The delicate flowers, seemingly vulnerable against the encroaching darkness, represent an enduring beauty that persists even in challenging conditions. The star, distant yet present, may symbolize hope or guidance amidst uncertainty. There is a sense of solitude and introspection inherent in the scene; it invites the viewer to pause and reflect on the transient nature of existence and the quiet power of natural phenomena.