Who painted An August´s Night?

An August´s Night was painted by Alfred William Finch in 1900.

Where can I see An August´s Night?

An August´s Night is held by Finnish National Gallery.

What movement is An August´s Night?

An August´s Night is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Artwork

An August´s Night

Alfred William Finch , 1900

An August´s Night is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Alfred William Finch. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Finnish National Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1900, *An August’s Night* is an oil painting by Alfred William Finch, a British-born artist who spent most of his career in Finland. The work belongs to the Post‑Impressionist period and is part of the Ateneum’s permanent collection. Its composition presents a tranquil nocturnal scene rendered with vivid hues and a sense of atmospheric depth.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas shows a quiet landscape at night: a still body of water occupies the lower register, while a line of trees recedes into the distance. Above, a deep blue sky is punctuated by a bright yellow moon, casting a gentle illumination that suggests a calm, perhaps contemplative, evening in late summer.

Technique & Style

Finch applied a pointillist approach characteristic of Neo‑Impressionism, using small, distinct brushstrokes of pure color that blend optically from a distance. The bold application of pigment creates a lively surface where the water appears to ripple and the foliage seems to sway, while the contrasting tones of sky and moon enhance the painting’s spatial illusion.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the painting entered the Finnish national collection and is now housed in the Ateneum, Helsinki’s principal museum of art. Finch’s relocation to Finland and his involvement in the local art scene helped secure the work’s place within the country’s cultural heritage, reflecting his cross‑national artistic identity.

Artist & collection

Artist

Alfred William Finch

Alfred William (Willy) Finch (1854 –1930) was a ceramist and painter in the pointillist and Neo-Impressionist style. Born in Brussels to British parents, he spent most of his creative life in Finland.