The artwork titled “End of Day,” created by George Inness in 1855, is a masterful oil painting that belongs to the Tonalism movement. This pastoral piece depicts a serene, evening landscape that embodies the genre’s focus on natural rural scenes and pastoral life.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with a tranquil evening scene where a shepherd stands among a flock of grazing sheep. The sky, awash with hues of golden-yellow and varying shades of orange, signifies the setting sun casting its final light upon the landscape. The trees in the backdrop are shrouded in deep shadows, creating a striking contrast with the illuminated sky. The shepherd, adorned in simple attire, exemplifies the quiet simplicity and harmony of rural life. The muted color palette and soft, diffused edges emphasize a dreamlike quality typical of Tonalism, evoking a contemplative and serene atmosphere.
