Autumn Lake 

Konstantin Gorbatov painted this vibrant autumn landscape, rich with symbolism. The dominant motif here is, of course, the golden foliage – a symbol of transience and the cyclical nature of life, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Consider how the theme of autumn has echoed through art history; from classical allegories of the seasons, to more modern, Romantic depictions of nature's melancholic beauty. You will find it in Poussin, Claude Lorrain, Friedrich… The use of color, too, speaks volumes. Gold, in many cultures, represents not just decay, but also richness and ripeness—the culmination of summer’s growth. The reflection of the trees in the water adds another layer, reminding us of the theme of duality and mirroring. This natural mirroring invites contemplation about the subconscious, where our hidden selves are reflected back at us. The motif of autumn continues its dance through time. The way we emotionally engage with it reveals much about our relationship with the world and our transient existence.