Artwork
A fall day in the Lefortovo palace garden in Moscow

A fall day in the Lefortovo palace garden in Moscow is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Ekaterina Junge. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Ekaterina Junge, a Russian painter linked to the Tolstoy lineage, completed this oil work in 1896. Executed in an Impressionist manner, the canvas now resides in the Tretyakov Gallery’s collection. The composition captures a tranquil autumnal garden at Lefortovo Palace, presenting a balanced view of foliage, water, and sky.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a quiet garden pond edged by trees shedding yellow leaves. Their reflections double the foliage across the water’s surface, while distant trees recede into a softly diffused sky. The arrangement conveys a calm, contemplative atmosphere, emphasizing the seasonal transition and the harmonious relationship between land and water.
Technique & Style
Junge employs a palette of warm ochres and cool blues, applying brushstrokes that suggest the fleeting quality of light. Contrasts between illuminated leaves and shadowed trunks create a subtle chiaroscuro, lending volume to the trees. The overall handling of color and light aligns with Impressionist concerns for atmosphere and momentary perception.
History & Provenance
Created at the close of the 19th century, the painting entered the Tretyakov Gallery’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing Russian contributions to the broader Impressionist movement, highlighting Junge’s role within that artistic current.
Artist & collection
Artist
Countess Ekaterina Fyodorovna Tolstaya, married name Junge (Russian: Екатерина Фёдоровна Юнге; 24 November 1843 – 20 January 1913) was a Russian painter from the Tolstoy family.











