The Four Seasons – Summer Francois Boucher (1703-1770)

In this Rococo-style painting, The Four Seasons - Summer, three reclining nude women are depicted in a lush, verdant setting. The central figure, with her back to the viewer, rests her head on one arm, appearing relaxed. To her left, another woman gazes at the viewer with a shy or contemplative expression. The third woman sits upright, her torso turned as if addressing the other two, and her gaze is directed downwards.
The scene is bathed in soft, rosy light, characteristic of summer. Lush vegetation, including trees and flowering bushes, surrounds the women. A small waterfall cascades down rocks in the background, adding to the idyllic atmosphere. Richly draped fabrics in shades of peach, rose, and gold are scattered around the figures, enhancing the sense of sensuality and opulence. In the upper branches of a tree, two cherubic figures, or putti, are partially visible, adding a mythical or playful element.
The subtext of the painting clearly alludes to the abundance, beauty, and sensuality of summer. The lushness of the environment and the languid poses of the women evoke feelings of warmth, fertility, and pleasure. The nudity of the figures, rendered with soft, idealized forms, emphasizes their beauty and connection to nature. The painting likely celebrates the peak of the year, a time of ripeness and enjoyment, possibly with undertones of romantic love or even pagan revelry, given the presence of the putti. The overall impression is one of serene indulgence and the unspoiled beauty of the natural world at its height.