#06489 Walter Crane (1845-1915)

The composition presents a young woman in a state of evident distress within a lush garden setting. She is positioned centrally, seated on a low wall or balustrade that separates her from a pool of water and the abundant vegetation beyond. Her posture – head bowed, hand pressed to her forehead – conveys profound melancholy or despair. The elaborate gown she wears, rendered in shades of yellow and cream with intricate detailing at the neckline and sleeves, suggests a position of privilege and refinement, which contrasts sharply with her emotional state.
A fountain stands prominently to her left, its sculpted figure depicting a male form seemingly emerging from the water. This element introduces a potential narrative layer; it could symbolize an unattainable ideal or a source of longing that contributes to the woman’s sorrow. The pool itself is populated by aquatic life – a frog is visible near the foreground – which adds a touch of fairytale-like quality and hints at transformation or hidden depths.
The garden backdrop, executed in dense, dark greens, creates a sense of enclosure and isolation around the figure. Scattered flowers bloom along the base of the wall, their vibrant colors offering a visual counterpoint to the woman’s muted palette and somber mood. A small, winged creature is depicted near the lower right corner, seemingly observing the scene; its presence adds an element of whimsicality that further complicates the emotional reading.
The artists meticulous attention to detail – the rendering of fabric folds, the delicate depiction of foliage, and the precise carving of the fountain’s sculpture – suggests a deliberate attempt to create a world both beautiful and emotionally charged. The subtexts within this work revolve around themes of loss, longing, and the disparity between outward appearance and inner turmoil. It evokes a sense of narrative potential, inviting speculation about the events that have led to the womans distress and the possible resolution of her plight.