Meditation 1889

Mildred Anne Butler painted ‘Meditation’ using watercolors and gouache in the late 19th or early 20th century, a period when women artists often focused on domestic or pastoral subjects. Butler, as a woman from a privileged background, had the opportunity to develop her artistic talent, which was not a given for women of her time. ‘Meditation’ reflects the Victorian era's idealized view of nature and rural life. The artwork is a tranquil scene portraying cattle in a field, which evokes a sense of peace and harmony. It contrasts with the rapid industrialization happening at the time. Butler's choice to paint animals in repose invites viewers to contemplate a slower, more natural rhythm of life. The painting can be seen as a subtle statement on the value of quiet contemplation, a theme that resonates across gender and class lines. Butler manages to instill in the viewer a sense of calm, and a longing for a simpler existence.