Allebé, August – De vlinders, 1871 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The composition presents a pastoral scene centered around two children in a verdant outdoor setting. A boy lies prone amidst tall grass and wildflowers, his bare feet extending towards the lower edge of the frame. Upon his back sits a young girl, her posture suggesting a mixture of dependence and perhaps slight discomfort. She wears a light-colored dress adorned with ribbons, contrasting with the boy’s more rustic attire – simple shorts and a loose shirt.
The artist has employed a muted palette dominated by greens and yellows, evoking a sense of warmth and natural abundance. The brushwork is visible, contributing to an impressionistic quality that softens the edges of forms and creates a hazy atmosphere. Light filters through the foliage above, dappling the scene with highlights and shadows. A scattering of small yellow flowers punctuates the foreground, drawing attention to the immediate environment.
In the background, partially obscured by the dense vegetation, a hen and several chicks are visible near a wooden fence, adding another layer of domesticity to the tableau. The boy holds a book in his hand, lying open but unread; it is positioned slightly askew, suggesting an interruption or distraction from study. A small satchel hangs from a strap around his neck, hinting at a journey or perhaps a collection of treasures gathered during their time outdoors.
The arrangement of the figures and objects invites contemplation on themes of childhood innocence, companionship, and the fleeting nature of leisure. The girl’s gaze is directed outwards, beyond the immediate scene, suggesting a sense of longing or observation. The boys relaxed posture contrasts with the girl’s more alert demeanor, creating a subtle dynamic between them. The presence of the hen and chicks reinforces the idyllic setting, evoking a nostalgic vision of rural life.
The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, capturing a moment of simple joy and connection within a natural environment. It speaks to a time when childhood was intertwined with the rhythms of the countryside, and where moments of stillness and observation held particular significance.