ger-JohnMelhuishStrudwick-WhenApplesWereGoldenAndSongsWereSweet John Melhuish Strudwick

The composition presents two female figures within a lush, verdant setting dominated by a laden fruit tree. The artist has arranged them in a symmetrical fashion, creating a sense of balance and harmony. One woman stands, holding a stringed instrument – likely a lute or mandolin – and appears to be playing it. Her gaze is directed outward, suggesting an engagement with the world beyond the immediate scene. She wears a flowing teal gown draped over one shoulder, revealing delicate skin beneath. The fabric’s texture is rendered with meticulous detail, contributing to the overall sense of richness and opulence.
The second woman sits on what appears to be a low stone bench or ledge, holding open a book. Her attention is focused intently on the text before her, her expression one of quiet concentration. She is clad in a cream-colored garment that echoes the soft light filtering through the foliage. The positioning of her body and the downward angle of her head convey an air of introspection and scholarly pursuit.
The backdrop consists entirely of the fruit tree, its branches heavy with ripe oranges or similar citrus fruits. This abundance suggests prosperity, fertility, and perhaps a sense of idyllic paradise. The dense foliage creates a feeling of enclosure, isolating the figures from any external context. Light plays a crucial role in shaping the scene; it illuminates the women’s faces and garments, highlighting their ethereal beauty while casting portions of the background into shadow.
Subtleties within the painting hint at deeper meanings. The pairing of music and literature suggests an appreciation for both artistic expression and intellectual inquiry. The figures bare feet imply a connection to nature and a rejection of societal constraints. Their idealized features and serene expressions evoke a sense of timelessness, hinting at mythological or allegorical significance. The overall effect is one of tranquility and refined beauty, inviting contemplation on themes of art, knowledge, and the natural world.