Allegory of Summer after 1896

Koloman Moser rendered this study for 'Allegory of Summer' in ink and graphite on paper. Moser was a key figure in the Vienna Secession, a movement that sought to break away from the conservative artistic establishment of the late 19th century Austro-Hungarian empire. This piece presents the artist's vision of summer through the lens of symbolism. With its sinuous lines and stylized forms, the composition alludes to a sense of sensual abundance and a connection to the natural world. Framed by two female figures, the central panel contains a man seated beneath a canopy. This image evokes classical allegories while also nodding to the changing roles of women at the turn of the century. Moser captures a pivotal moment of cultural transition, where traditional values were being questioned and new artistic expressions were emerging. It's impossible to ignore the male gaze through which these female bodies are presented. The piece invites us to reflect on the complexities of desire, representation, and the construction of identity in a rapidly changing world.