This refined and delicate work depicts the allegorical theme of the Four Seasons, each personified by pairs of putti, male and female.
Each season is framed by garlands composed of flowers and natural elements typical of the represented period: Summer, on the left, is surrounded by ears of wheat; Spring, at the top, is adorned with lilac flowers; Autumn, on the right, is accompanied by vine shoots and clusters of grapes; Winter, at the bottom, shows two children warming themselves in front of a small fire.
The work is enhanced by a circular painted passe-partout with elegant gold arabesque motifs, also executed on a zinc plate, which lends further harmony and refinement to the composition.

Theodor Fischer-Poisson (Schwerin 1817 – 1873) studied at the Dresden Academy; he mainly painted religious works for churches in Mecklenburg as well as portraits. He executed numerous paintings for the Grand Ducal Palace of Schwerin and for the Great Hall of the University of Rostock.