Artwork
Late Summer
Late Summer is an unspecified painting by John Bedell Stanford MacIlwaine. It dates from 1907 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
John Bedell Stanford MacIlwaine’s oil painting Late Summer, executed around 1907, depicts a quiet rural scene. The work is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland, where it is displayed as an example of early twentieth‑century Irish landscape painting.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a gently rolling green field punctuated by a small herd of cows. A soft, lightly colored sky stretches overhead, while a stand of trees occupies the left side, framing the pastoral setting. The muted palette and placid atmosphere suggest a moment of seasonal transition, inviting contemplation of the countryside’s calm rhythms.
Technique & Style
MacIlwaine employs a restrained brushwork that blends colors to render the sky and foliage with a delicate, atmospheric quality. The use of muted tones and subtle tonal shifts creates depth without sharp contrasts, emphasizing the overall sense of tranquility rather than dramatic narrative.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1907, Late Summer entered the National Gallery of Ireland’s holdings through acquisition (specific details of purchase are not recorded in the source). Since its arrival, the painting has been catalogued as part of the museum’s representation of Irish landscape art from the early modern period.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Bedell Stanford MacIlwaine
John Bedell Stanford MacIlwaine (1857–1945) was an artist, born in Dublin.
