Winter (VII) 1907

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis created this painting, titled *Winter (VII)*, with tempera on cardboard. The composition here is dominated by muted shades of grey, green, and white, evoking the stillness and somber mood associated with winter. Note how Ciurlionis organizes the visual space through a series of diagonal lines, creating a sense of depth and movement, as if we're observing a landscape in flux. The brushwork is loose and expressive, with short, broken strokes that capture the ephemeral quality of light and atmosphere. Ciurlionis was deeply involved in the symbolist movement, seeking to express abstract ideas through symbolic imagery. In this painting, the bare, skeletal trees could represent the themes of transformation, stillness and waiting that often come with the season. Consider the artist's use of scale and perspective here, as there is a sense of being immersed in a larger, almost cosmic landscape. This element adds a layer of philosophical depth, suggesting that winter is not just a season, but a state of being that connects us to the broader rhythms of nature. Remember that this painting is a testament to the enduring power of art to evoke emotion and contemplation.