p-hf-ab08 #24 Harrison Fisher

The composition presents a scene steeped in romantic sentimentality, framed by a decorative heart-shaped garland of foliage. Within this enclosure, two figures are captured in a moment of hurried intimacy. A gentleman, dressed in a dark suit and bow tie, leans forward to bestow a kiss upon a young woman adorned in an elaborate, pale yellow gown. She is positioned slightly off-center, her body angled away from the viewer while she turns towards him, her expression suggesting both surprise and pleasure.
The artist has employed a soft palette dominated by warm tones – yellows, creams, and muted browns – which contribute to the overall feeling of nostalgia and idealized romance. The woman holds a parasol, adding to the impression of a bygone era. A clock is visible in the background, its hands suggesting an urgency or constraint to the moment; this detail introduces a subtle tension that contrasts with the otherwise idyllic setting.
The arrangement of the figures suggests a clandestine encounter, hinting at a narrative beyond what is immediately apparent. The woman’s posture and the gentlemans forward lean convey a sense of impulsiveness and perhaps even impropriety. This feeling is reinforced by the scattered flowers at her feet, which could symbolize lost innocence or fleeting beauty.
The decorative frame serves not only to contain the scene but also to elevate it, transforming what might otherwise be a commonplace moment into something precious and worthy of preservation. The title inscription below – “In Days of Old” (Undue Haste) – further reinforces these themes of nostalgia, urgency, and perhaps a touch of forbidden romance.