Summer Konstantin Andreevich Somov (1869-1939)

The canvas presents a rural scene imbued with a sense of fleeting tranquility and underlying melancholy. A vast expanse of sky dominates the composition, characterized by turbulent grey clouds pierced by a vibrant arc of a rainbow. This meteorological phenomenon serves as a focal point, its luminosity contrasting sharply with the somber tones of the overcast atmosphere.
To the left, a small group of figures is gathered on a grassy bank bordering a body of water. They appear to be engaged in leisurely activities – one figure reclines languidly, another rests upon a cloth, and a child playfully splashes in the shallows. The arrangement suggests an idyllic summer afternoon, yet their postures lack animation; theres a quiet resignation present in their stillness. A modest dwelling is nestled amongst the trees behind them, hinting at a simple, rural existence.
On the right side of the painting, a boat drifts gently on the water, occupied by three more figures. One individual holds a pole, seemingly guiding the vessel, while others appear to be observing the surroundings with a contemplative air. The placement of this group further emphasizes the sense of detachment and introspection that pervades the scene.
The color palette is predominantly muted – greens, browns, and greys – punctuated by the intense colors of the rainbow. This limited range contributes to the overall mood of subdued emotion. Brushstrokes are loose and expressive, lending a textural quality to the landscape and sky. The artist’s technique conveys an impressionistic rendering of light and atmosphere, prioritizing feeling over precise detail.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of transience and the bittersweet nature of summers beauty. The rainbow, symbolizing hope and renewal, is juxtaposed against a backdrop of impending storm clouds, suggesting that even moments of joy are fleeting and inevitably followed by periods of darkness or uncertainty. The figures’ passive engagement with their surroundings implies an acceptance of this cyclical pattern – a quiet acknowledgement of life’s inherent impermanence. Theres a sense of nostalgia present, as if the scene is being viewed through the lens of memory, tinged with both fondness and regret.