the ebbing of day (the bank) 1902 John Ottis Adams

The composition presents a landscape dominated by a body of water and dense foliage. A river or lake stretches across the majority of the canvas, its surface reflecting the fading light in shimmering horizontal strokes. The waters color is predominantly dark, suggesting depth and stillness, though subtle variations indicate movement and texture.
Along the right bank, an abundance of trees and shrubs creates a thick curtain of green and brown hues. These are not rendered with precise detail; instead, they appear as masses of foliage, contributing to a sense of enclosure and mystery. A slope rises from the waters edge, bathed in a warm, orange glow that contrasts sharply with the cooler tones of the surrounding landscape. This area appears to be illuminated by the setting sun, creating a focal point within the scene.
The left bank is less defined, receding into shadow and suggesting an even greater expanse beyond what is visible. The distant hills are rendered in muted blues and greens, their forms softened by atmospheric perspective. A pale sky occupies the upper portion of the painting, hinting at twilight or dusk.
The artist’s technique emphasizes a sense of mood and atmosphere over precise representation. Brushstrokes are loose and expressive, contributing to an overall impression of tranquility and melancholy. The limited palette – primarily greens, browns, oranges, and blues – reinforces this feeling.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of transition and impermanence. The ebbing in the title likely refers not only to the receding light but also to a broader sense of decline or loss. The darkness encroaching on the scene suggests the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The warm glow on the slope might be interpreted as a fleeting moment of beauty, soon to be swallowed by the approaching night. There is an inherent quietude; the absence of human presence contributes to this feeling of solitude and introspection.