The Sere and the Yellow Leaf 1882

"The Sere and the Yellow Leaf" (1882) by Joseph Farquharson depicts a solitary woman, clad in a dark dress and red shawl, walking through a woodland scene. The trees are bare, their branches silhouetted against the fading light of the setting sun. The woman carries a bundle of firewood, her journey suggesting a sense of duty and hardship. The painting's title, evocative of autumn's decline, aligns with the melancholic mood evoked by the setting and the woman's solitary figure. Farquharson, known for his landscapes and figure paintings, masterfully captures the textures of the forest, from the rough bark of the trees to the mossy ground. The scene is infused with a sense of quiet realism, offering viewers a glimpse into the daily life of those who lived and worked in the Scottish countryside.