The painting Summer Day by Semyon Fyodorov (1867–1910) is a subtle and poetic representation of Russian nature at the turn of the 19th century. The artist masterfully conveys the atmosphere of a hot summer day: the sunlight reflects in the transparent river waters, stirred by a gentle breeze. In the foreground, a boulder and sedge bushes create a sense of timelessness and permanence. The river flows into the distance, leading the viewer’s gaze towards a white church on the horizon — a symbolic marker of Russia’s spiritual center. On the right bank, under a tree, a shepherd rests while his herd grazes, embodying the theme of everyday rural labor. The painting harmoniously combines realism with a lyrical symbolism, expressing the unity of man, nature, and eternity.
Dimensions: Canvas 96 × 60 cm; frame 113 × 78 × 4 cm.
Material: Oil on canvas.
Signature: Artist’s signature lower right: “S. Fyodorov.”
Condition: The canvas is in good condition, reinforced; the paint layer is stable, with a natural patina of time. Museum-type frame with minor signs of wear.
Semyon Fyodorov (1867–1910) belongs to the generation of Russian painters who inherited the traditions of the great 19th-century landscape school founded by Alexei Savrasov, Fyodor Vasilyev, and Ivan Shishkin. By the late 19th century, Russian landscape art reached a special peak, merging realistic observation with profound symbolic meaning. Works such as Summer Day not only depict the beauty of Russian countryside but also carry a philosophical dimension, expressing the national idea of harmony between man, nature, and spirituality.
The painting’s composition, leading diagonally from the stone in the foreground to the church in the background, reflects the influence of lyrical-philosophical traditions introduced by Savrasov in The Rooks Have Come Back. Fyodorov’s treatment of light, sky, and air is reminiscent of Isaac Levitan and Vladimir Orlovsky, blending emotional lyricism with close observation of nature.
The distant white church is not merely an architectural accent but a spiritual symbol of resilience, permanence, and continuity, counterbalancing the transience of human life and labor. In this way, the painting reflects the intellectual and cultural search of late 19th-century Russia, where landscape art became a vessel for expressing the “Russian idea.”
The work is preserved in good condition: canvas reinforced, paint layer stable, no losses; light patina of age enhances authenticity. Frame overall sound, with minor signs of wear.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
