the Seasons – Autumn Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)

The composition presents a solitary female figure dominating the vertical format. She is rendered in a classical style, her posture suggesting both dignity and a certain melancholy. The artist placed her against a backdrop of deep red drapery that folds and clings to her form, creating a sense of weight and volume. This intense color choice immediately establishes a mood of richness and perhaps even intensity.
The woman’s attire is simple yet elegant – a long, flowing gown devoid of ornamentation beyond the inherent texture of the fabric. Her hair is styled in an understated manner, framing a face that conveys introspection rather than overt emotion. She holds a small object in her outstretched hand; its precise nature remains ambiguous, contributing to the overall sense of mystery.
At her feet lie several fruits – likely apples or pears – scattered upon a surface that appears to be water, indicated by the presence of lily pads and blossoms floating nearby. This juxtaposition of ripeness and aquatic elements introduces a layer of symbolic complexity. The fruit suggests abundance and harvest, while the watery setting hints at transience and potential loss.
The upper portion of the painting is occupied by foliage – leaves and branches rendered in muted greens and browns. These natural elements provide a visual counterpoint to the figure’s formal pose and the starkness of the red background. They also suggest an environment, albeit one that remains largely obscured from view.
Subtly, theres a sense of enclosure about the woman; she is positioned between the heavy drapery and the foliage above, creating a feeling of being contained or observed. The lack of any discernible horizon line further reinforces this impression, focusing attention entirely on the figure and her immediate surroundings.
The painting’s overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to ponder themes of abundance, decay, and the passage of time. Its not a depiction of exuberant celebration but rather a nuanced exploration of a season characterized by both beauty and decline.