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Hillside Pastures—September by Willard Metcalf

Willard Metcalf · 1922-01-01

This is Willard Metcalf's *Hillside Pastures, September*, painted in 1922 and housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The painting offers a serene view of an autumnal landscape, but closer inspection reveals subtle narratives within its brushstrokes and forms.

Look at the foreground grass, rendered with thick, visible impasto that gives the surface a textured, almost sculptural quality. Then, let your eye move to the cluster of trees with fiery red leaves, a vibrant splash of color that signifies the season's peak.

Metcalf, a key figure in American Impressionism and a member of the influential Ten American Painters group, captured the essence of rural New England. The weathered stone wall and the hints of a broken fence suggest a history of human presence and land use, adding a layer of depth to the pastoral scene.

This work exemplifies Metcalf's mature style, blending keen observation of nature with expressive brushwork.

Details

But look at this weathered stone wall.
But look at this weathered stone wall.
The artist used thick, visible brushstrokes.
The artist used thick, visible brushstrokes.
Notice the bright red leaves.
Notice the bright red leaves.
Its vibrant orange leaves signal the peak of autumn, contrasting with the surrounding greens and blues.
Its vibrant orange leaves signal the peak of autumn, contrasting with the surrounding greens and blues.
Transcript

This field seems peaceful and untouched. But look at this weathered stone wall. It suggests history in this quiet place. The artist used thick, visible brushstrokes. Notice the bright red leaves. Here is the artist's signature and date. Metcalf painted this in 1922.