the hour of tea c1914 Frederick Carl Frieseke

The canvas presents a scene of leisure and domesticity, bathed in a pervasive lilac hue that dominates both figure and setting. Here we see two women engaged in what appears to be a tea gathering outdoors. One woman reclines in a wicker chair, her posture relaxed and contemplative; she holds a wide-brimmed hat slightly askew, partially shading her face. Her gaze is directed outward, suggesting an absorption in the surrounding environment or perhaps a distant thought. Beside her stands another figure, holding a parasol aloft to shield them from the sun. This woman’s expression is less discernible, though she seems attentive to the seated companion.
The arrangement of objects further reinforces the theme of refined relaxation. A low table laden with tea service – a teapot, cups, strawberries, and what appears to be citrus fruit – is positioned near the chair. The presentation suggests a deliberate staging, an aesthetic consideration as much as a practical one.
The background is rendered in a flurry of short, broken brushstrokes, creating a sense of shimmering light and atmospheric depth. While details are indistinct, it’s clear that the scene unfolds within a lush garden setting. This blurring of the backdrop contributes to the overall impression of tranquility and seclusion. The color palette, predominantly cool tones with occasional flashes of warmer hues in the fruit and foliage, evokes a feeling of gentle warmth tempered by a sense of melancholy or quiet introspection.
Subtly, the painting hints at social conventions and class distinctions prevalent during its creation. The attire of the women – the delicate fabrics, the elaborate hat – indicates a position of privilege and leisure. The parasol itself is a symbol of status, offering protection from the sun while simultaneously signifying refinement. The scene isnt merely about enjoying tea; it’s about performing an ideal of upper-class life – one characterized by ease, beauty, and a deliberate detachment from the concerns of everyday existence. Theres a sense of stillness, almost suspended time, that suggests a desire to capture a fleeting moment of idyllic serenity.