Summer: a woman holding a basket of flowers and fruit 1775

"Summer: A Woman Holding a Basket of Flowers and Fruit" is a mezzotint by Richard Houston, created in 1775, the year of his death. This print depicts a woman, likely representing the season of summer, adorned with a wreath of flowers and wheat, holding a basket overflowing with fruit and blossoms. The woman's relaxed posture and the abundant bounty symbolize the abundance and warmth of the season. This artwork, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, showcases Houston's mastery of the mezzotint technique, creating a detailed and expressive representation of the season. The delicate shading and nuanced tones capture the beauty and tranquility of the subject.