Artwork

Four Hours of the Day: Evening

Four Hours of the Day: Evening, by Adrien Lavieille, 1860
Four Hours of the Day: Evening, by Adrien Lavieille, 1860

Four Hours of the Day: Evening is a print by the Impressionist artist Adrien Lavieille. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Four Hours of the Day: Evening is an 1860 etching by Adrien Lavieille, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The work depicts a somber evening scene.

Subject & Meaning

The etching shows a solitary figure on a hill at dusk, with an raised arm, possibly signaling or waving. In the distance, three figures gather around a prone body, suggesting a narrative of loss or distress.

Technique & Style

Lavieille employed heavy shading to achieve depth, contrasting the prominent figure against a dark, textured sky and rough, uneven terrain, characteristic of contemporary etching practices.

History & Provenance

Created in 1860, the etching is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, with its provenance prior to acquisition not detailed here.

Context

The piece reflects the mid-19th-century etching techniques, where such shading and composition were common, often used to convey dramatic or contemplative scenes.

Legacy

While specific influence or notable exhibitions of 'Four Hours of the Day: Evening' are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader understanding of 19th-century etching practices and Lavieille's oeuvre.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.