This oil painting, titled 'W altanie' (In the Gazebo) by Aleksander Gierymski, depicts a refined social gathering of men and women dressed in 18th-century rococo-style attire. The scene is centered around a small table covered with a white cloth, where several figures are seated or standing while conversing over drinks. In the lower left foreground, a young person in a red coat leans over a small, stone fountain feature, adding a touch of domestic activity to the elegant assembly.
The setting is an open-air garden structure, likely a gazebo or arbor, surrounded by thick, vibrant greenery. A tall, woven trellis fence stands to the right, filtering the sunlight and creating a dappled effect across the scene. The composition is structured with the social group in the mid-ground, their colorful period clothing—soft pinks, deep reds, and rich blues—contrasting against the verdant foliage. The painting uses a realistic, impressionistic style, with visible brushwork that captures the movement of light and shadow through the leaves.
The lighting is bright and dappled, characteristic of a sunny afternoon in a garden. The color palette is dominated by lush forest greens, earthy browns, and the varied, bright colors of the participants' elaborate dresses and coats. Details such as hanging decorative paper lanterns in the trees and potted plants around the fountain provide a sense of depth and lived-in charm to this historical, sophisticated outdoor tableau.