Summer Hours Elizabeth Nourse (1859-1938)

The canvas presents a scene steeped in rural tranquility. Two young women occupy the foreground, seated beneath the sheltering boughs of a large tree. Their posture suggests quiet industry; one is engaged in knitting, her hands manipulating a vibrant red yarn, while the other meticulously embroiders a piece of fabric. Both figures are clad in traditional attire – dark jackets over lighter blouses and long skirts – and their heads are covered with white caps, indicative of a modest upbringing and likely rural origins.
The artist has employed a palette dominated by warm yellows and greens, evoking the feeling of sunlight filtering through foliage on a summer afternoon. The background dissolves into an impressionistic rendering of a meadow, punctuated by distant trees that soften the horizon line. Brushstrokes are loose and visible, contributing to a sense of immediacy and capturing the fleeting quality of light.
The composition is carefully balanced; the figures are positioned slightly off-center, preventing a static feel. The tree trunk acts as a vertical anchor on the left side, while the expanse of meadow provides visual breadth. A woven basket sits near the embroidering woman, hinting at a simple sustenance and perhaps containing materials for their craft.
Beyond the literal depiction of rural labor, the painting conveys an atmosphere of contemplative stillness. The women’s gazes are directed downwards, suggesting introspection or focused concentration rather than outward engagement. This inward focus lends a sense of quiet dignity to their work. There is a subtle melancholy present; it isnt overt sadness but a gentle resignation that speaks to the cyclical nature of rural life and perhaps the limitations imposed by tradition. The vibrant red yarn against the muted tones of their clothing draws attention, possibly symbolizing hope or passion within an otherwise restrained existence. Ultimately, the painting offers a glimpse into a world defined by simplicity, labor, and a quiet connection to the natural environment.