Allegory of summer Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

The composition presents a female figure reclining within an elaborate frame that incorporates a map. The woman occupies the right portion of the scene, her posture relaxed and contemplative. She is draped in a golden fabric that clings loosely to her form, revealing portions of her skin. Her gaze appears directed outward, beyond the confines of the pictorial space, suggesting a state of introspection or perhaps observation. In her lap, she holds what seems to be a sheaf of wheat or grain, a common symbol associated with abundance and harvest.
The background is dominated by a stylized map, rendered in muted greens and browns. Place names – “Londres,” “Ostende,” and Flandres – are visible, indicating a geographical focus on the region of Flanders and its surrounding areas. The map itself isnt presented as a purely documentary representation; rather, it is integrated into the decorative framework, becoming an integral part of the overall design.
The frame’s ornate detailing contributes to a sense of grandeur and enclosure. Its swirling patterns contrast with the more naturalistic depiction of the woman and the stylized geography behind her. A small object – possibly a musical instrument or a tool – is positioned in the upper left corner, partially obscured by the frames design.
Several subtexts emerge from this arrangement. The juxtaposition of the female figure and the map suggests a connection between femininity, fertility (symbolized by the wheat), and geographical power or dominion. The woman’s pose implies a certain authority or control over the territory represented in the background. The inclusion of place names hints at political or economic significance – perhaps alluding to trade routes, territorial claims, or the prosperity associated with the region.
The overall effect is one of carefully constructed symbolism, where seemingly disparate elements are brought together to convey a complex message about nature, power, and perhaps even the relationship between humanity and its environment. The deliberate framing emphasizes the artificiality of the scene, suggesting that what we see is not a straightforward depiction of reality but rather an allegorical representation designed to evoke specific ideas and emotions.