The artwork titled “A Summer Night” was created by Albert Joseph Moore in the year 1890. This genre painting was executed using oil on canvas and measures 228.5 by 132 centimeters. It exemplifies Academicism, an art movement valuing the principles of traditional academic art, particularly those associated with the European academies of art. This work is part of the collection at the Walker Art Gallery located in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
“A Summer Night” by Moore depicts an idyllic and serene scene that is both evocative and formal, staying true to the tenets of Academicism. The painting portrays four female figures in various states of repose and undress, exuding an air of tranquility and elegant beauty. The women are shown amidst luxurious drapery and floral garlands that contribute to the sumptuous atmosphere. A serene, dark waterscape visible in the background through ornate columns accentuates the nighttime setting, and the classical elements in the artwork convey a timeless grace.
The emphasis on symmetry and idealized beauty are hallmarks of the Academic style that Moore engages with, and the painting’s clear composition reflects his pursuit of perfection and harmony. The tranquil mood and the careful attention to detail in the drapery and foliage enhance the overall aesthetic experience, making “A Summer Night” a quintessential example of genre painting that celebrates both the human form and the elegance of a poetic, dreamlike moment.
