Four Seasons

Reproduction

Building "G"

This composition was inspired by “Four Seasons”—a work by People’s Artist Eldar Mikayilzade, preserved in the collection of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The carpet is divided into four equal sections, each representing the colors and characteristics of a season. Vertically, the composition is also split into two, where the Trees of Life symbolize male and female origins. Each tree has its guardian—one a female deer and the other a male deer. Through this balanced design, the composition reflects the unity of natural elements and the duality of existence, portraying the harmony and continuity of life.

Historical Context

Rooted in the rich traditions of Azerbaijani carpet art, the composition draws from centuries-old symbolism where nature, seasons, and life are interwoven into visual storytelling. Historically, the cycle of four seasons has represented the passage of time, transformation, and the rhythm of life in both human and natural dimensions. This work carries that heritage forward, reinterpreting it through a contemporary artistic lens while maintaining the spiritual depth of traditional craftsmanship.

Cultural/Artistic Inspiration

Philosophically and symbolically, spring is associated with the goddess of fertility, while summer embodies masculine strength and patience. Autumn fades into winter, marking a period of stillness, only for life to be revived again with spring’s renewal. Birds, regarded as carriers of life energy, seem to connect the earth and the sky, infusing the carpet with vitality and symbolizing the freedom of the soul. This artwork is not merely a decorative piece but a profound expression of the cyclical nature of life, the balance between masculine and feminine forces, and the eternal harmony between humans and nature—conveyed through a philosophical and aesthetic language.

Author

People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, Eldar Mikayilzade

Special Appreciation

Special thanks to Azerbaijan National Art Museum for their support in the realization of this project.