Beginning of Autumn 

Stefan Popescu's oil painting evokes a powerful sense of place and season. Popescu, working in Romania, likely painted this landscape in the early 20th century, a period when artists were increasingly interested in capturing the essence of their national landscapes. The autumnal colors and serene composition suggest a countryside untouched by the rapid industrialization sweeping through Europe at the time. Yet, we might also see in the painting a commentary on the social and economic realities of rural Romania, where the agrarian lifestyle was deeply rooted. Popescu's style reflects the influence of Impressionism, adapted to a specifically Romanian context. Researching agricultural practices, land ownership, and the art institutions of the time can deepen our understanding of this painting.