Paper

Student Artwork Guide

A Summer Night

Name Class Date

Albert Joseph Moore, A Summer Night (1887), Walker Art Gallery. Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Albert Joseph Moore originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/albert-joseph-moore/
Artist’s dates
1841 – 1893
Painted
1887
Medium
Oil On Canvas
Original size
2285 x 1320 cm
Period
19th Century
Held at
Walker Art Gallery originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/walker-art-gallery-liverpool/
Artistic style
Abstract beauty
Influences
Greek sculpture
Notable elements
Naked women, lagoon
Subject or theme
Erotic languor

In context

A Summer Night — Albert Joseph Moore

When was this painted?

  1. 1840
  2. 1850
  3. 1860
  4. 1870
  5. 1880
  6. 1890

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 52 at death.

Painted when the artist was 46. The artist lived to 52. 23 of the 30 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Albert Joseph Moore (1841–1893) ▲ this work, 1887 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1875 Main working years: 1875–1885 Late works: from 1885

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

  • Idyll, 1893 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/albert-joseph-moore-idyll-AS845P-en/
  • A Sleeping Girl, 1875 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/albert-joseph-moore-a-sleeping-girl-D3UC8W-en/
  • Blossoms, 1881 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/albert-joseph-moore-blossoms-D3UC8S-en/

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/albert-joseph-moore-a-summer-night-D3Y3TS-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Driftwood #8d794e

    Catalogued palette

    • #8D794E
    • #554938
    • #86651D
    • #AF9E75

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Driftwood
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Albert Joseph Moore over the last twelve months — 6 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 70.8%
    2. 2 United States of America 12.5%
    3. 3 Spain 4.2%
    4. 4 Finland 4.2%
    5. 5 Greece 4.2%
    6. 6 Singapore 4.2%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Albert Joseph Moore

    1. 1 Boulton & Watt Medal, 1871 8.0%
    2. 2 Kingcups 8.0%
    3. 3 untitled (5288) 8.0%
    4. 4 A Summer Night, 1887 this painting 4.0%
    5. 5 A Garden, 1869 4.0%
    6. 6 The Loves of the Winds and the Seasons, 1892 4.0%
    7. 7 Idyll, 1893 4.0%
    8. 8 Apples 4.0%
    9. 9 A Garden, 1869 4.0%
    10. 10 Standing Figure in Yellow and Blue Study for Topaz 4.0%
    11. 11 Kingcups, 1883 4.0%
    12. 12 The Marble Seat 4.0%
    13. 13 The Mother of Sisera Looked out a Window 4.0%
    14. 14 The Gilded fan 4.0%
    15. 15 The Fountain, 1880 4.0%
    16. 16 The Door of a Wardrobe, 1885 4.0%
    17. 17 Dancing Girl Resting 4.0%
    18. 18 William Connal, Esq Jr, of Solsgirth 4.0%
    19. 19 Study for 'A Garden' 4.0%
    20. 20 apples 4.0%

    Together these works take 92.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 107 works by this artist, of which 22 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 4 of them, with 4.0% of that attention. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    About this artwork

    A Summer Night — Albert Joseph Moore

    A Summer Night: An Exploration of Erotic Beauty in Moore's Vision

    Albert Joseph Moore’s “A Summer Night,” completed in 1887, stands as a provocative and intensely personal work within the artist’s oeuvre. Measuring an imposing 2285 x 1320 cm, this large-scale oil on canvas immediately commands attention with its depiction of four nude women engaged in a scene of languid repose. More than simply a study of the female form – though undeniably informed by Moore's admiration for classical Greek sculpture and his academic approach to figure painting – “A Summer Night” reveals a complex interplay of sensuality, restraint, and a subtle, almost unsettling, eroticism.

    The arrangement of the figures is meticulously considered. Two pairs are positioned across the canvas, their poses subtly related yet distinct, creating a dynamic tension within the composition. The women’s relaxed postures, bathed in what appears to be a warm, torrid light, evoke a sense of private intimacy and comfortable familiarity. Moore's masterful use of color – particularly the rich, saturated tonalities – elevates the scene beyond mere representation; it pulsates with an almost palpable heat, a deliberate departure from his usual restraint and contributing to the painting’s unsettling allure.

    Technique and Materiality: A Study in Realism

    Moore's technical skill is evident in the remarkably realistic depiction of the women’s flesh. This level of detail, unusual for Moore who often favored a more stylized approach, adds another layer of complexity to the work. The smooth surfaces, the subtle variations in tone and texture, suggest a deep engagement with the physical reality of the subject matter. The use of oil paint allows for a luminous quality, enhancing the sense of warmth and inviting the viewer into the scene. The canvas itself is treated with a deliberate roughness, adding to the tactile feel of the work.

    Medium: Oil on Canvas

    Size: 2285 x 1320 cm

    Date: 1887

    Historical Context and Symbolism

    Created during a period of significant artistic experimentation, “A Summer Night” reflects the broader trends of late nineteenth-century art. Moore’s work aligns with the Aesthetic movement's emphasis on beauty for its own sake, rejecting didactic or moralistic interpretations in favor of pure sensory experience. The scene itself – four women enjoying a private moment in a luxurious setting – can be interpreted as a subtle commentary on Victorian attitudes towards sexuality and leisure. The carefully chosen props—the beds, vases, and bowl—further enhance the sense of opulent indulgence and heighten the painting’s suggestive power.

    Emotional Impact and Artistic Legacy

    "A Summer Night" is not a comfortable viewing experience; it's an artwork that lingers in the memory. Moore deliberately avoids sentimentality, presenting instead a raw and unapologetic exploration of human desire. This unsettling beauty, combined with the artist’s technical mastery and historical context, secures its place as one of Moore’s most significant and enduring works. Its powerful imagery continues to fascinate and provoke viewers today, solidifying Moore's reputation as a visionary painter who dared to challenge conventional artistic norms.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Albert Joseph Moore

    Born in York, United Kingdom

    early life and education

    albert joseph moore, a renowned english painter, was born on september 4, 1841, in york, united kingdom. he was the thirteenth son and fourteenth child of well-known portrait-painter william moore and his second wife, sarah collingham. several of his numerous brothers were educated as artists, including henry moore, r.a., a notable sea painter. albert moore received education at archbishop holgate's school and st. peter's school in york, where he also received instruction in drawing and painting from his father.

    artistic career

    moore's early works show the influence of ruskin, and by 1857, he had already exhibited at the royal academy, showcasing a goldfinch and a woodcock. his artistic style evolved over time, with a marked neo-classical character emerging in the 1860s. this period saw moore designing tiles, wallpaper, and stained glass for morris, marshall, faulkner and co., as well as working as an ecclesiastic and domestic mural painter.

    notable works and style

    moore's paintings typically feature single female figures with formalized proportions, neo-classical drapery, and floral accessories, establishing a major strand of the aesthetic movement. some of his notable works include:

    the marble seat (1865), a long series of purely decorative pictures

    elijah's sacrifice (1863), showcasing the influence of ford madox brown and edward armitage

    the loves of the seasons and the winds, one of his most elaborate and painstaking works, painted for mr. mcculloch

    museums and collections

    moore's work can be found in various museums, including:

    york museums trust (york, united kingdom), featuring paintings such as kingcups

    the royal academy (london, united kingdom), where moore frequently exhibited

    legacy and later life

    moore relied solely on his own judgment in matters both social and artistic, which sometimes proved a bar to his admission into the ranks of the royal academy. despite suffering from a painful and incurable illness, moore continued working until his death on september 25, 1893.

    view more works by albert joseph moore at https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/albertjosephmoore

    explore the york museums trust collection at https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@@/as844t-albert-joseph-moore-kingcups

    discover more about the aesthetic movement and its notable artists at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/aesthetic_movement

    recommended reading: * albert joseph moore's biography on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/albert_joseph_moore * explore the york museums trust collection at https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@@/as844t-albert-joseph-moore-kingcups

    Museum

    Walker Art Gallery

    On show in Liverpool, United Kingdom

    A Victorian Sanctuary: The Timeless Allure of the Walker Art Gallery

    Nestled in the vibrant heart of Liverpool, the

    Walker Art Gallery

    stands as a majestic testament to the enduring power of artistic vision. This grand Victorian institution is far more than a mere repository for canvas and stone; it is an immersive journey through the corridors of time. The architectural splendor of Evan James Hall’s design prepares the visitor for a profound encounter with beauty, where the very air seems to vibrate with the echoes of Renaissance masters, the romantic whispers of Pre-Raphaelite dreams, and the bold, transformative strokes of British modernism.

    To step inside is to enter worlds meticulously crafted by artists who sought truth in the most profound forms. The gallery’s international renown is anchored by its exceptional collection of

    Pre-Raphaelite paintings

    , arguably one of the finest assemblages in existence. Here, the works of

    Dante Gabriel Rossetti

    and

    John Everett Millais

    transport the viewer into realms of haunting beauty and intricate symbolism. One might find themselves lost in the lush, detailed landscapes or the psychological depth of figures imbued with a certain ethereal melancholy, as these artists sought inspiration in the purity of the early Renaissance to achieve an emotional intensity that remains vital today.

    A Dialogue Between Eras and Innovation

    Beyond the romanticism of the Pre-Raphaelites, the collection offers a breathtaking glimpse into the pivotal innovations of the Renaissance. Masterpieces that redefine perspective and human grace allow visitors to witness the dawn of modern representation. From the delicate, mythological allegories of

    Botticelli

    to the divine, misty atmosphere of

    Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation

    , these works serve as monuments to human intellect and spiritual curiosity. This dialogue between eras is further enriched by a profound commitment to British artistic identity, chronicling the evolution of a nation through stately portraits and sweeping landscapes that evoke the rugged beauty of the British countryside.

    The gallery’s strength lies in its ability to bridge the gap between historical grandeur and contemporary relevance. The collection reflects Liverpool’s cosmopolitan identity as a global port city, incorporating twentieth-century titans such as

    Lucian Freud

    and

    David Hockney

    . This diversity makes the space a sanctuary for various enthusiasts:

    Art Historians and Scholars:

    Who can trace the lineage of movement from the Cubist roots in David Bomberg’s landscapes to the evolution of British portraiture.

    Interior Designers:

    Seeking the quiet elegance and atmospheric charm found in works like Marianne Stokes’

    Polishing Pans

    .

    Collectors and Dreamers:

    Drawn to the monumental anatomical skill found in George Stubbs’

    The Lincolnshire Ox

    or the serene, nostalgic scenes of a bygone era.

    What truly distinguishes the Walker Art Gallery is its role as a living, breathing cultural hub that remains deeply accessible to all. With free admission, it ensures that world-class art is never a luxury reserved for the few, but a shared heritage available to every soul seeking inspiration.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for A Summer Night

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/albert-joseph-moore-a-summer-night-D3Y3TS-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Moore, Albert Joseph. A Summer Night. 1887, Walker Art Gallery. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/albert-joseph-moore-a-summer-night-D3Y3TS-en/
    APA
    Moore, Albert Joseph (1887). A Summer Night [Painting]. Walker Art Gallery. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/albert-joseph-moore-a-summer-night-D3Y3TS-en/
    Chicago
    Albert Joseph Moore. A Summer Night. 1887. Walker Art Gallery. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/albert-joseph-moore-a-summer-night-D3Y3TS-en/
    Harvard
    Moore, Albert Joseph (1887) A Summer Night. Walker Art Gallery. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/albert-joseph-moore-a-summer-night-D3Y3TS-en/

    Look closely

    A Summer Night — Albert Joseph Moore

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: nude figures, bedroom scene, moore painting. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Idyll (1893), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Albert Joseph Moore was about 46 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Questions & Answers

    How do I discover artworks close to "A Summer Night" by Albert Joseph Moore?

    Works similar to "A Summer Night" are listed on the artwork's Similars page.

    Where is "A Summer Night" suggested to be displayed, considering its palette?

    Considering its earthy colors, "A Summer Night" is suggested for a bedroom.

    How is "A Summer Night" situated historically?

    "A Summer Night" by Albert Joseph Moore belongs to the Neo-Classical Revival movement, within the 19th-Century period. Together they give the work its place in art history.