Nicolas Lancret – The Four Times of Day – Midday Part 5 National Gallery UK

The scene unfolds within a lush, verdant landscape, seemingly a meticulously cultivated garden or park. A group of four figures occupies the foreground, their interactions suggesting leisurely enjoyment and refined social engagement. The composition is structured around a central fountain, its ornate design and sculptural embellishments contributing to an atmosphere of aristocratic leisure.
Here we see three women and one man engaged in what appears to be a playful exchange. Two of the women are seated, while the third stands, holding a small dish or basket from which the others seem to be taking treats. The man, positioned slightly apart but still within the groups orbit, fans himself with an elaborate hand fan, his posture conveying a studied nonchalance. All four figures are dressed in fashionable attire characteristic of the 18th century; the women’s gowns display intricate detailing and vibrant colors – a pink dress on the left, a yellow one on the right, and a pale blue for the seated woman in the center. The mans coat is similarly elegant.
The light quality suggests midday, as indicated by the strong illumination that highlights the figures and foliage. Shadows are present but softened, contributing to an overall sense of warmth and tranquility. The background dissolves into a hazy green expanse, suggesting depth and emphasizing the enclosure of this idyllic space. A Roman numeral XII is visible on the fountain’s face, likely indicating midday.
Beyond the immediate depiction of social interaction, the painting hints at underlying themes of courtship, leisure, and the idealized pastoral life favored by the upper classes. The careful arrangement of figures, their gestures, and the opulent setting all contribute to a sense of controlled elegance and refined pleasure. The fountain itself acts as a symbolic focal point, representing abundance, refreshment, and perhaps even the flow of time – a recurring motif in allegorical representations. The scene evokes a world removed from labor or hardship, presenting instead an image of privileged existence and cultivated beauty.