The First of September – Evening (1796)

George Morland’s 1796 masterpiece, “The First of September – Evening,” exemplifies his exceptional talent for capturing scenes of rural English life with a sensitive, picturesque approach. This painting presents a charming rural scene at dusk, filled with warm colors of a setting sun that hints at the end of a pleasant day.In the foreground, a group of figures contributes to the scene's lively yet tranquil nature. On the left, three individuals—a man, a young child, and a woman seated inside by the window—engage in a moment of casual conversation. The man, sitting on a bench, gestures while talking to the other man standing beside the child, pointing perhaps at the landscape or relating a story from their day. The presence of two dogs adds a homely, faithful touch to the assembly.To the right, you view another figure leading a pair of horses away from the inn, which bears a quaint sign with the image of a lion. This suggests the painting’s setting is an inn, a resting point that casts hospitality amidst the travel routes of pastoral England.The building itself is depicted with rustic charm, featuring a thatched roof and robust wooden structure, commonly associated with the rural architecture of the time.“The First of September – Evening” not only reflects George Morland’s acute observation skills and mastery in embodying the simple yet profound aspects of rural existence but also evokes a sense of calm and the pleasures associated with the countryside.