Curtain design for the Free Theater in Moscow Konstantin Andreevich Somov (1869-1939)

The composition presents a theatrical scene framed by heavy green drapery that dominates the upper portion of the canvas. Beyond this visual barrier lies a stylized garden landscape, rendered in muted greens and browns with touches of pink and yellow suggesting twilight or a dreamlike atmosphere. A central fountain serves as a focal point, its form softened by the surrounding foliage.
Several figures populate the scene, each seemingly engaged in distinct actions and costumes that suggest a masquerade or festive gathering. Two individuals, positioned prominently near the foreground, appear to be interacting with an intensity conveyed through their gestures; one is clad in a flowing red robe, while the other wears a dark, elaborate gown. To their right, a woman in a vibrant yellow dress and a man in jester’s attire add to the sense of revelry. Further back, several additional figures are partially obscured by trees and foliage, contributing to an overall impression of depth and mystery.
Above the garden scene, cherubic figures float amongst pink clouds, holding torches and musical instruments. Their presence introduces a layer of allegorical or mythological significance, hinting at themes of inspiration, celebration, and perhaps even divine intervention within the theatrical context.
The arrangement of elements suggests a deliberate attempt to create an illusionistic space – a stage set designed for performance. The use of flattened perspective and symbolic figures points towards a rejection of naturalism in favor of a more expressive and stylized aesthetic. The overall effect is one of heightened drama, fantasy, and the blurring of boundaries between reality and spectacle. The scattered petals on the ground contribute to an atmosphere of fleeting beauty and ephemeral joy.