Snow fell in September Konstantin Kryzhitsky (1858-1911)

The composition presents a landscape dominated by a sense of temporal anomaly and quietude. Here we observe a scene blanketed in snow, yet the foliage on several trees retains vibrant autumnal hues of orange and red. This juxtaposition immediately establishes a visual paradox – a season out of sync with itself.
A small, brick structure occupies the central foreground, its rounded form softened by the surrounding snowfall. It appears to be a folly or decorative element within a larger garden setting, suggesting an artificiality that contrasts with the natural environment. The building’s placement, slightly elevated and framed by the trees, draws the viewers eye while also isolating it from the broader landscape.
The artist employed a muted palette, relying heavily on whites, grays, and browns to convey the coldness of winter. However, the warm tones of the leaves provide a striking counterpoint, preventing the scene from becoming entirely monochromatic. The brushwork is loose and textured, particularly evident in the depiction of the snow-covered ground and the foliage, contributing to an overall impression of atmospheric depth.
The lighting appears diffused, lacking strong directional shadows, which further enhances the feeling of stillness and tranquility. A sense of melancholy pervades the scene; the unexpected snowfall suggests a disruption of natural order, perhaps hinting at themes of loss or the passage of time. The isolated structure could be interpreted as a symbol of human intervention in nature, or conversely, as a refuge from the harshness of the environment.
The composition’s subtexts revolve around the fragility of seasons and the inherent contradictions within the natural world. It evokes a feeling of introspection, prompting contemplation on themes of change, memory, and the ephemeral quality of beauty.