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

The scene unfolds within a densely wooded area, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the foliage. A group of five women are positioned across the composition, their activities and postures suggesting a leisurely evening spent outdoors. The overall atmosphere is one of relaxed intimacy and pastoral tranquility.
Here we see a central figure reclining on the ground, her arm outstretched as if gesturing towards something beyond the viewer’s perspective. Her pose conveys a sense of languid ease and perhaps even invitation. To her left, another woman appears to be reaching out, possibly in response to the gesture or simply navigating the uneven terrain. The lighting highlights her face, drawing attention to her expression which seems thoughtful and slightly melancholic.
Further into the background, three other women are grouped together. One is seated on a rocky outcrop, seemingly engaged in quiet contemplation, while another appears to be leaning against a tree trunk, observing the scene with an air of detached amusement. The final woman sits nearby, her posture suggesting a relaxed and comfortable state.
The artist has employed a muted color palette dominated by greens, browns, and soft whites, which contributes to the nocturnal ambiance. The darkness of the surrounding woods creates a sense of enclosure and privacy, reinforcing the feeling that this is a secluded and intimate gathering. The moon, positioned prominently in the upper left corner, serves as the primary source of illumination, casting long shadows and highlighting certain features while obscuring others.
Subtly, the arrangement of figures suggests a narrative – perhaps a shared secret or a moment of quiet reflection amongst friends. The varying postures and expressions hint at individual personalities within the group dynamic. Theres an undercurrent of sensuality present in the women’s attire (simple, flowing garments) and relaxed poses, characteristic of depictions of pastoral leisure during this period. The scene evokes themes of nature, friendship, and the pleasures of a tranquil evening, while also hinting at a certain wistfulness or melancholy associated with the passage of time.