E. W. Blatchford Residence: Lunette Depicting Autumn c. 1875 - 1877

Peter Bonnett Wight created this lunette depicting autumn for the E. W. Blatchford Residence. Wight worked during a period when architectural styles often referenced historical and natural themes, reflecting the era’s fascination with connecting to the past and the environment. The lunette itself, with its semi-circular shape, often brings to mind classical Roman architecture. Wight contrasts this with a depiction of an oak tree in the throes of autumn. What is intriguing here is the cluster of birds nesting within this seasonal setting. The image evokes themes of home, refuge, and the life cycle. It subtly plays with traditional representations by inviting us to reflect on the intersection of nature, domesticity, and the passage of time. The sculpture’s intimate portrayal of nature connects with our own experiences of home, prompting contemplation about our place within the world and the rhythms of life.