Fireworks Konstantin Andreevich Somov (1869-1939)

The composition presents a nocturnal scene dominated by a display of fireworks illuminating the sky above a tranquil landscape. A large body of water occupies much of the foreground, its surface reflecting the fiery spectacle overhead and creating a shimmering effect that extends into the distance. Along the shoreline, a meticulously rendered garden unfolds, populated with dense foliage and punctuated by carefully arranged flowerbeds.
Two figures are positioned in the lower right quadrant, seated on a small bench beneath the sheltering branches of a birch tree. The woman, dressed in a long white gown accented with dark trim at the neckline, appears to be gazing intently towards the fireworks. A younger girl sits beside her, clad in blue and seemingly absorbed in her own thoughts. A small dog rests near their feet, adding a touch of domesticity to the scene.
In the middle ground, a classical-style building is visible on the left bank, its architecture suggesting an estate or manor house. Further back, a solitary column stands amidst the trees, hinting at a formal garden layout and reinforcing the sense of cultivated elegance. The artist employed a muted palette, relying heavily on earthy tones – browns, greens, and yellows – to convey the atmosphere of twilight.
The fireworks themselves are not depicted as individual bursts but rather as an overall glow that bathes the scene in a warm light. This diffused illumination softens the edges of objects and creates a dreamlike quality. The composition suggests themes of leisure, contemplation, and perhaps a fleeting moment of shared experience between the two figures. There is a sense of quiet observation, a stillness that contrasts with the dynamic energy of the fireworks above. The inclusion of the dog and the formal garden setting contribute to an overall impression of refined taste and comfortable prosperity. The scene evokes a feeling of nostalgia, hinting at a bygone era characterized by leisurely pursuits and a connection to nature.