Nothing Gold Can Stay 2019

Rose Freymuth-Frazier made this oil painting, “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” in 2019. The title comes from a Robert Frost poem, which reflects on the fleeting nature of beauty and innocence, and the inevitability of change. The image shows a tranquil waterside scene with trees in their full autumn color beneath a sky streaked with pink and lavender. This invites us to consider the cultural associations we have with landscape painting. Historically, landscape painting often served to reinforce ideas about national identity and ownership of land. But here, the artist seems to be suggesting something more personal and universal. The muted tones and soft brushwork evoke a sense of melancholy, reminding us that all things are temporary and constantly changing. Understanding this work fully requires research into the artist’s influences, the historical context of landscape painting, and the cultural meanings we attach to the changing seasons. Ultimately, art allows us to reflect on our own experiences and to find meaning in the world around us.