Finale (Sonata of the Spring) 1907

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis made this painting, Finale (Sonata of the Spring), with thin washes, probably in oil or tempera. The delicate and dreamy towers rise from an abstracted earth, adorned with whimsical flags fluttering above. I imagine Ciurlionis composing this painting like a piece of music, searching for harmony and rhythm through color and form. The light palette, dominated by earthy yellows and soft blues, feels almost ethereal. There’s a real sense of touch in the way the paint is applied, each stroke a gentle whisper. Those dark lines defining the towers feel like the edges of musical notation, a counterpoint to the lighter hues. I'm reminded of Arthur Dove, another artist who sought to capture the essence of music and nature in paint. In their own way, they both remind us that painting isn't just about representation; it's about feeling, sensing, and connecting to the world around us. It’s a conversation across time, an ongoing exploration of what it means to be human and alive.