End of a gloomy day (1907)

"End of a Gloomy Day" by Valerius De Saedeleer, painted in 1907, is a remarkable landscape that invites viewers into a serene yet somber mood reflective of the title. This artwork captures a vast expanse of countryside at what appears to be the twilight hour, with heavy, stylized bands of clouds overlaying a muted, golden sky. This sky, filled with streaks of dark and light tones, suggests the dissipating energy of a day nearing its end.In the foreground, the painting is dominated by lush, dark greens of a hedgerow and a mature tree, which frame the view into the distance. A winding path, perhaps a country road, draws the eye through the fields, enhancing the depth and leading toward a group of sparse, delicately rendered trees and a distant homestead. The use of color is subdued, relying heavily on earth tones that convey a sense of calm and quietude.The composition and color palette together evoke a strong sense of melancholy and reflection, characteristic of De Saedeleer’s style during his time in the Flemish Ardennes. The artist’s meticulous attention to the textures of the sky and fields contrasts with the almost silhouetted trees and bushes, creating a landscape that is both detailed and dreamlike.