William Hamilton

This picture appears to be a model for Hamilton´s celebrated picture, Celadon and Emilia, from 1793 in the Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit (154 x 124 cm.). It differs markedly from the final version; both in the rendering of the figures as well as the background landscape.
The subject is taken from Summer from 1727 in The Seasons from 1727-30 by James Thomson (1700-1748). The Seasons celebrates the magnificence and harmony of nature as a manifestation of the Supreme Being. It embodies literary, philosophical, and theological ideas characteristic of the eighteenth century, yet it also prefigures the Romantic movement of the nineteenth century, particularly in its depictions of storms and wilderness. It enjoyed extraordinary popularity and influence in both centuries, and its impressive, picturesque landscapes made it a favorite text for illustration. In 1793, when Hamilton engaged in this subject, a new edition of this work was published with engravings from original oil paintings.
Hamilton´s picture depicts the moment when Emelia has been scared literally to death by a lightning storm.
Emelia is rendered with extremely pale skin which contrasts the darker and life-filled Celadon. Her white garment signifies the purity of young women. During the Age of Enlightenment in European philosophy women were seen as emotionally weak and the threats from the outside world were thought to easily disturb them. This male viewpoint highlighted the general view of women as having delicate sensibilities, making them susceptible to overwhelming fear which is the central focus of the painting.