Jasper Johns' The Seasons series, created between 1985 and 1986, stands as an allegorical reflection on the artist's life, interests, and the passage of time. This series encompasses four encaustic paintings—Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter—each embodying a segment of the year and symbolically, the stages of human life. This connection between the cycles of the seasons and the human condition ties back to a longstanding tradition in both art and literature, inviting viewers to ponder the intersections between nature, time, and personal experience.

Central to each work in the series is the silhouette of Johns' shadow, a motif that adds a personal and introspective layer to the paintings. This shadow was traced from a template created in the strong sunlight of Saint-Martin in the French West Indies, serving as a constant across the changing scenes depicted in the four seasons. Each piece also features an imprint of an arm and a palm, marking the progression of time and the aging process.

In addition to the shadow, Johns incorporated various symbols and objects into the compositions, blending personal references with broader thematic elements. For example, in The Seasons (Summer), a leafy tree branch and a tiny hummingbird appear, along with a cart carrying items that allude to Johns' artistic influences and personal interests, such as double American flags and pots by ceramicist George Ohr. This melding of imagery suggests a rich tapestry of meaning, drawing connections between the natural cycle of the seasons and the creative and personal cycles of the artist's life​ (Jasper Johns Org)​​ (The Courtauld)​.

Johns' The Seasons series not only reflects on his own biography and artistic journey but also showcases his mastery of printmaking techniques. The use of intaglio prints, with their line etchings and aquatint washes, demonstrates Johns' skillful manipulation of the medium to create depth and texture. The Courtauld Gallery, which houses a comprehensive group of these prints, emphasizes the series' significance in exploring themes of artistic creation, the passage of time, and the layered complexity of human experience through Johns' innovative use of printmaking​ (The Courtauld)​.