The Four Seasons

in Art History

Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Across Cultures

An introduction to how seasonal imagery connects to art history and world history. From ancient times to the present, artists have used the seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter to symbolize life cycles, time, and cultural beliefs.

Vineyards with rows of grapevines in autumn, displaying colorful yellow and red leaves.

Fall (Autumn) in Art History

Harvest and Transition

Autumn represents transition, harvest, and preparation for winter

Learn about Fall

Snow-covered mountains with steep cliffs under a blue sky, with a frozen body of water in the foreground.

Winter in Art History

Winter is coming!

Learn about Winter

Pink cherry blossom tree in full bloom against a clear blue sky.

Spring in Art History

Springing now!

Learn about Spring

Sun setting over tall grass in a field with trees in the background, creating a warm, golden glow.

Summer in Art History

Explore summer vibes in art.

Learn about Summer

Newly Published Videos

Utagawa Hiroshige, Kanbara, Night Snow from the series “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido”

Spooky Season in Art: Skeletons, Spirits, and the Supernatural

Creative Ways to Explore the Four Seasons in Art History

Featured

Spooky Season in Art: Skeletons, Spirits, and the Supernatural

Around the world, artists have turned to skeletons, spirits, and strange creatures to wrestle with life’s biggest mysteries and to provide social and political commentary. From medieval Europe to ancient China to ancient Peru and 19th-century Mexico, we can look at images and objects that seem spooky, eerie, or gruesome today. But were they always meant to be understood this way?