Vermont Hills, November 1923

Willard Metcalf crafted "Vermont Hills, November," using oil on canvas, presenting a serene view of the Vermont countryside. The rolling hills evoke a sense of peace, yet there is a deeper resonance with the visual symbol of the Arcadian landscape. The pastoral scene—hills dotted with grazing cattle—echoes motifs found as far back as ancient Greece. This imagery has persisted through the Renaissance and beyond, symbolizing a longing for a simpler, harmonious existence. Cattle are, in their docile grazing, also a symbol of the Golden Age. The motif of grazing cattle transcends its literal representation, tapping into collective memories of a world untouched by modernity. It speaks to the powerful, subconscious desire for an idyllic past, engaging us on an emotional level with a deep, underlying longing.