Who painted The Four Seasons: Summer?

The Four Seasons: Summer was painted by Abraham Bosse in 1635.

Where can I see The Four Seasons: Summer?

The Four Seasons: Summer is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Four Seasons: Summer?

The Four Seasons: Summer is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of The Four Seasons: Summer?

Museum-quality prints of The Four Seasons: Summer are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Four Seasons: Summer

Abraham Bosse , 1635

The Four Seasons: Summer is a print by the Baroque artist Abraham Bosse. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1924.830.2
Credit line: Dudley P. Allen Fund

About this work

Overview

Abraham Bosse’s print The Four Seasons: Summer dates from 1635 and is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. Executed as an engraving, the image is organized as a staged tableau viewed from a richly carved balcony that overlooks a bucolic landscape. The composition is framed by the French word “L’ESTE,” the seasonal label that identifies the work as a representation of summer.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts five figures positioned on the balcony: two women in the centre clasp hands, a man and a boy on the left gaze downward, and a second man on the right gestures toward the vista below. The lower landscape shows a small village, a windmill and a dog, suggesting everyday rural life and the abundance associated with the summer season.

Technique & Style

Bosse employed fine line engraving to render intricate architectural details on the balcony and delicate foliage in the background. The chiaroscuro of the figures against the sky creates a subtle depth, while the ornamental carving of the balcony reflects the decorative sensibilities of early‑Baroque printmaking in France.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑17th century, the print was likely part of a series illustrating the four seasons, a common thematic cycle for the period. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the 20th century, where it remains displayed as an example of Bosse’s contribution to French print culture.