Henri Lebasque, the Garden at Summer (Pierre and Nono under the Grapes), 1920 Sotheby’s

The canvas presents a scene of domestic tranquility bathed in warm light. Here we observe two figures – a woman and a young boy – within what appears to be a lush garden setting. The composition is structured around a table laden with fruit, acting as a central focal point.
The woman occupies the foreground, seated on a folding chair. Her posture suggests relaxed confidence; she leans slightly forward, her gaze directed beyond the viewer’s perspective. She wears a patterned robe and a wide-brimmed hat that casts shadows across her face, partially obscuring her features while emphasizing an air of leisure. The vertical stripes of her garment create visual dynamism, contrasting with the more organic forms surrounding her.
To her left, a young boy is depicted in a state of undress, seemingly engaged in some activity involving grapes hanging from a vine. His body is rendered with simplified forms and warm tones, suggesting vulnerability and innocence. He appears to be reaching for or interacting with the fruit, establishing a connection between him and the abundance of nature.
The background is characterized by dense foliage and vibrant colors – greens, purples, and yellows – that evoke a sense of summer heat and overflowing vitality. The grapevines themselves are prominent, their clusters hanging heavily from the branches, symbolizing prosperity and the fruits of labor. A table covered with a bright yellow cloth supports an assortment of fruit: apples, peaches, and grapes, further reinforcing this theme of abundance.
The artist’s use of color is particularly noteworthy. The palette is dominated by warm hues – yellows, oranges, reds – which contribute to the overall feeling of warmth and contentment. However, cooler tones are also present in the foliage, creating a subtle contrast that adds depth and complexity to the scene. Brushstrokes are loose and expressive, contributing to an impressionistic quality.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of familial connection, leisure, and the pleasures of nature. The relaxed postures of the figures suggest a moment of respite from daily concerns. The abundance of fruit symbolizes prosperity and well-being. There is a sense of idyllic harmony between humanity and the natural world, portraying a snapshot of privileged life during a period of relative peace following wartime disruption. The composition’s arrangement – the woman as observer, the boy actively engaged with nature – might also suggest a passing of knowledge or tradition from one generation to the next.