The uvula of Colombina Konstantin Andreevich Somov (1869-1939)

The painting depicts a nighttime scene at a carnival or masquerade ball. In the foreground, a woman in a vibrant, diamond-patterned harlequin costume stands center stage. She wears a black mask that conceals her eyes, and her elaborate blonde hair is adorned with a feathered cap that matches her attire. Her dress is a riot of colors, including red, blue, pink, and yellow, trimmed with gold.

Behind her, the scene unfolds with various elements contributing to the festive atmosphere. A dark, flowing cape extends from her left side, creating a stark contrast with her colorful dress. The background is a deep blue, speckled with white stars, suggesting a clear night sky. Streaks of white, reminiscent of fireworks, illuminate the upper left portion of the canvas.

Scattered among the trees and along the ground are illuminated lanterns, casting a soft glow. In the middle ground to the right, a figure peeks out from behind a tree, adding a touch of playful mystery. To the left and further back, a crowd of people are visible, some in costume, enjoying the festivities. One figure in the background wears a jester-like outfit with a white ruffled collar. The overall impression is one of enchantment, gaiety, and theatricality.

The subtexts of the painting can be interpreted in several ways:

• Mystery and Deception: The mask worn by the central figure immediately introduces an element of mystery and concealed identity, common themes in masquerades and carnivals. It hints at the idea that appearances can be deceiving and that true selves are hidden beneath costumes.

• Celebration and Escape: The fireworks, lanterns, and festive crowd all point towards a celebration, a moment of joy and perhaps an escape from the ordinary. The nighttime setting adds to the magical and dreamlike quality of the event, suggesting a departure from reality.

• Theatricality and Performance: The elaborate harlequin costume and the posed stance of the central figure suggest a performance or a theatrical moment. The entire scene could be seen as a stage setting, with the characters playing their roles.

• Hidden Desire or Observation: The peeking figure in the background can be interpreted as someone observing the scene, perhaps with curiosity, longing, or even a hidden agenda. This adds a layer of intrigue, hinting at underlying desires or social dynamics at play within the gathering.

• The Fleeting Nature of Joy: The combination of fireworks (which are temporary) and the nighttime setting might subtly allude to the ephemeral nature of happiness and celebration. The beauty captured in the moment may be transient.

The title, The Uvula of Colombina, adds another layer. Colombina is a stock character from the commedia dellarte, often depicted as a clever and charming servant girl. The uvula itself is a small, fleshy projection in the mouth. This title is unusual and slightly eccentric, and its meaning is open to interpretation. It could suggest an intimate, perhaps even slightly shocking or absurd, aspect of Colombinas character or the performance. It might also be a surreal or provocative detail intended to provoke thought or a visceral reaction.