The artwork titled “Good Neighbours” is an oil on canvas painting by John William Waterhouse, completed in the year 1885. The piece, measuring 72.1 by 92.7 centimeters, is an exemplar of the Romanticism movement and can be categorized as a genre painting. As indicated, this work presently resides within a private collection.
In the artwork, we are presented with a serene and intimate scene of daily life where the concept of community connection is at the forefront. Three figures, presumably women based on their attire, appear engaged in casual conversation. The central character is seated on a wooden chair in a relaxed posture, with a terrace lounge chair draped with a shawl suggesting a gentle moment of repose. She gazes up attentively at her two neighbors, who lean over a rustic brick wall adorned with hanging laundry, actively engaging with her from their elevated position.
The setting is decidedly urban yet carries a certain bucolic charm with its exposed brick walls and the presence of lush greenery softening the backdrop. The verdant hues of the trees contrast with the red and brown tones of the bricks, offering a visual diversity that enhances the picturesque quality of the scene. Subtle details such as flowering potted plants, a watering can, and a straw bonnet resting on the chair arm, contribute to the depiction of daily life and domestic chores.
Overall, the artwork captures a sense of warmth and camaraderie, inviting the viewer to reflect on the value of neighborly interaction and the simple pleasures of conversation amidst the routine of everyday tasks.