waning summer 1916 Willard Leroy Metcalf (1858-1925)

The canvas presents a woodland scene dominated by a cluster of slender trees in varying stages of autumnal transformation. The composition is structured around these vertical elements, which rise from a dense undergrowth and are framed against a backdrop of foliage exhibiting a rich spectrum of yellows, oranges, and greens. A clear, bright sky occupies the upper portion of the painting, providing a stark contrast to the warm tones below.
The artist employed an impasto technique, evident in the thick application of paint that creates textural depth across the surface. This is particularly noticeable in the rendering of the foliage and ground cover, where individual brushstrokes are readily discernible. The light appears to emanate from above, casting shadows that subtly define form and contribute to a sense of spatial recession.
The trees themselves are rendered with an emphasis on their stark white bark, which stands out against the surrounding colors. Their slender forms suggest fragility and resilience simultaneously; they appear both vulnerable to the elements and steadfast in their rootedness. The undergrowth is less precisely defined, appearing as a mass of tangled vegetation that obscures any clear path or focal point within the scene.
A sense of melancholy pervades the work. The vibrant colors, while visually appealing, also evoke the transient nature of beauty and the inevitability of decline. The waning light implied in the title suggests a period of transition, a moment poised between abundance and dormancy. It is possible to interpret this as a reflection on themes of loss, impermanence, or the cyclical rhythms of nature. The absence of human presence further reinforces the feeling of solitude and introspection.

The painting’s composition directs the viewers gaze upwards towards the sky, creating an impression of openness and expansiveness that contrasts with the density of the foreground. This interplay between enclosure and freedom contributes to a complex emotional resonance within the work.