Marquise book. Illustration6 Konstantin Andreevich Somov (1869-1939)

The composition presents a scene of leisurely enjoyment within a verdant landscape. A group of figures occupies the foreground and middle ground, engaged in various activities suggestive of aristocratic leisure. The central figure is a woman adorned in elaborate attire – a long gown with a wide skirt trimmed with pink ribbon, and an ornate hat decorated with frills and ribbons. She stands slightly apart from the other individuals, her posture conveying a sense of detached observation.
Several men are visible, some standing and gesturing, others reclining on a blanket spread upon the grass. A table laden with food sits nearby, indicating a picnic or outdoor repast. Further back in the scene, two figures appear to be engaged in playful activity – possibly a game or sport – adding a dynamic element to the otherwise tranquil setting.
The artist employed a limited palette of colors, dominated by greens and yellows representing the foliage, with touches of pink and blue in the clothing. The rendering style is somewhat stylized, with simplified forms and a lack of detailed naturalism. This contributes to an overall impression of theatricality and artifice.
A small dog, depicted in red, pulls at a leash near the bottom edge of the image, adding a touch of whimsy and grounding the scene within a domestic context. The trees are rendered with dense foliage, creating a sense of enclosure and privacy for this gathering.
Subtly, the arrangement suggests social hierarchies. The woman’s position – slightly removed from the group yet still central to the composition – implies a status above those engaged in more boisterous activities. Her gaze is directed outward, perhaps indicating an awareness of her own elevated position or a subtle critique of the frivolity surrounding her. The overall impression is one of carefully constructed leisure and social display, hinting at themes of privilege, performance, and the complexities of aristocratic life.