enemy is hiding! Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko (1867-1928)

The composition presents a curious tableau, framed by what appears to be a double exposure or a theatrical proscenium arch. Within this frame, two distinct scenes are juxtaposed, creating a layered and somewhat surreal narrative.
In the foreground of the left panel, a woman in elaborate Rococo attire is depicted tending to a potted plant. Her posture suggests a delicate preoccupation with her task, while the ornate details of her dress – the voluminous skirt, the powdered wig adorned with floral embellishments – place her firmly within an aristocratic setting. A young boy, partially obscured by the foliage, appears to be assisting her, his face shadowed and his gaze averted. The lighting in this area is soft and diffused, contributing to a sense of domestic tranquility.
The right panel introduces a contrasting element: a cherubic figure wielding a spear stands poised before an owl perched atop a globe. The owl’s posture is alert, its eyes fixed on something beyond the frame. This scene is bathed in a warmer, more dramatic light, highlighting the tension and potential threat suggested by the boys aggressive stance and the owl’s watchful presence. The globe itself signifies knowledge or perhaps the world at large, implying that the concealed danger extends beyond the immediate setting.
The subtexts within this work are complex and open to interpretation. The juxtaposition of domesticity and vigilance suggests a commentary on appearances versus reality. The womans seemingly innocent activity could be interpreted as a facade concealing deeper anxieties or complicities. The owl, often associated with wisdom and foresight, might symbolize the awareness of an impending threat that remains hidden from those who are oblivious. The cherubic figure’s spear introduces a note of potential violence, hinting at a necessary intervention to expose the concealed enemy.
The overall effect is one of unsettling ambiguity. While the scene appears superficially charming, the underlying tension and symbolic elements create a sense of unease, prompting reflection on themes of deception, surveillance, and the fragility of peace. The framing device itself reinforces this duality, suggesting that what we perceive as reality may be merely a constructed representation.