Sunday, June 21, 2015

For the Summer Solstice (Midsummer or Litha)

This fey painting is Midsummer Eve, painted by the British artist Edward Robert Hughes some time around 1908. A small print of it is pinned to the bulletin board in my study, and I simply liked the idea of seeing it here this morning.

Hughes is usually considered a member of the pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, but there are elements of Symbolism in his work,  perhaps owing in some part to the influence of his friend, the renowned artist and designer, Edward Burne-Jones. 

Preferring watercolors and gouache to other artistic media, Hughes was a meticulous craftsman and his subtly glowing painting is, for me anyway, a perfect expression of the mystery and enchantment in the air on the eve of midsummer. I am also fond of his Summer Fantasy, Night With Her Train of Stars and Weary Moon.

Happy Midsummer (or Litha) to you and your clan.  May light and warmth and abundance be yours at this turning of the Wheel.

6 comments:

bev said...

Happy Midsummer to you!

Tabor said...

Exotic and mysterious and much like one of my favorite painters Maxfield Parrish.

kerrdelune said...

Tabor, Maxfield Parrish is one of my favorites too - he had an amazing way with color, and his clouds are sublime.

Barbara Rogers said...

Happy summer solstice to you. Lovely fairies!

Rowan said...

It's a favourite painting of mine as well - so magical. A very Happy Summer Solstice to you.

sarah said...

Blessings of the season to you.