Boer War, 1900-1901 – Last Summer Things Were Greener John Byam Liston Shaw (1872-1919)

The composition presents a solitary female figure positioned near a body of water, framed by dense foliage and under a diffused sky. The woman stands in profile, her posture suggesting melancholy or contemplation. She is dressed in dark, formal attire – a long black skirt and jacket – with a vibrant purple sash draped across her waist, providing the sole significant color contrast against the somber palette. Her head is bowed, obscuring her expression, yet conveying an air of quiet sorrow.
The surrounding landscape is rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing the lushness of the vegetation. The water’s surface reflects the sky and foliage, creating a sense of depth and tranquility. However, this idyllic scene is subtly undermined by the overall tonal quality; the greens are muted, bordering on brown in places, hinting at decay or loss. This discoloration introduces an element of unease that clashes with the apparent serenity.
The placement of the figure within the composition is significant. She occupies a liminal space – between the water and the land, between light and shadow – suggesting a state of transition or displacement. The dense vegetation acts as both a barrier and a refuge, isolating her from an unseen world beyond the frame.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of loss and mourning. The woman’s attire suggests a connection to a privileged social class, while her posture implies grief or regret. The muted colors and decaying foliage evoke a sense of decline and the passage of time. It is likely that this work alludes to a period of upheaval and suffering, possibly related to conflict and its impact on civilian life – a disruption of pastoral harmony. The title’s reference to “last summer things were greener” reinforces this notion of a lost paradise or an earlier, more prosperous era now overshadowed by hardship.

The artists skill lies in the ability to imbue a seemingly tranquil scene with profound emotional weight through subtle visual cues and a carefully considered color scheme.