“August,” a genre painting by Alex Colville, was created in 1979 and is part of his Calendar, 1979 series, belonging to the Contemporary Realism art movement. The artwork presents a poignant depiction of a serene domestic scene.
The artwork portrays an old woman with short gray hair and glasses looking pensively out of a window. She rests her head on her right hand, giving an impression of contemplation or nostalgia. Beside her sits a tabby cat on the window sill, gazing back at her, creating a moment of shared company. The background through the window reveals a softly lit outdoors, suggesting an early evening or late afternoon in August. The corner of a lush green plant partially frames the right side of the scene, adding a touch of nature to this quiet, reflective moment. The careful use of colors and detailed texture emphasizes the intimacy and tranquility of the subject matter, adhering to the realistic style for which Colville is renowned.