Friends

Two young women sit at the edge of a still pond, one seated upright with her companion reclining against her shoulder, eyes closed. Both wear peasant blouses embroidered in red, one with a dark shawl and the other bare-armed, and a violet skirt spreads across the grass. Between them and spilling into the foreground lies a loose bouquet of pink, yellow and white wildflowers, while the water behind mirrors pale trees and soft light.

Broken, feathery brushstrokes describe the grass, blossoms and rippling reflections in warm pinks, golds and violet-greys, with the women's pale skin and light blouses catching the strongest highlights. The light is soft and diffused, suggesting late afternoon calm over the water. The gentle contact between the two figures and the hushed, glowing surroundings give the scene a tender, restful mood.