Season Diane Dillon

The composition presents a scene unfolding on and around a small boat afloat in what appears to be a tranquil body of water. The color palette is dominated by greens and blues, contributing to a sense of serenity, though punctuated by the vibrant red of one figures garment.
Here we see a group of individuals engaged in an activity that seems both celebratory and ritualistic. A woman, dressed in red, sits within the boat alongside a young boy who holds a woven basket overflowing with what appear to be fish. Another boy leans over the side, his hands reaching towards the water where several small fish are visible. The presence of these fish suggests a harvest or offering.
Standing on the bank is a figure draped in flowing white robes and wearing a distinctive straw hat. This individual holds a large net, poised as if about to cast it into the water. Their posture conveys an air of detachment, almost observation rather than active participation in the scene unfolding within the boat. The positioning of this figure suggests a connection between the terrestrial and aquatic realms, perhaps symbolizing abundance or divine intervention.
The background is characterized by lush vegetation – prominent lotus flowers and dense foliage – which further emphasizes the natural setting. A dark, rocky outcrop rises on the left side, providing depth to the composition.
Subtleties within the painting hint at deeper meanings. The phrase And a time to cast away inscribed beneath the scene suggests themes of release, sacrifice, or letting go. It could imply that the fish are being offered as a gesture of gratitude or appeasement. The contrast between the vibrant activity in the boat and the solitary figure on the bank introduces an element of contemplation – a moment suspended between action and stillness, abundance and potential loss. The overall effect is one of quiet solemnity, imbued with symbolic weight beyond a simple depiction of fishing.