Waiting for the Coach

Edmund Blair Leighton R.O.I. 1853 - 1922

Summary

A scene depicting the imminent departure of a young woman from her home. She stands in the lane in front of her house, gazing to the left in anticipation of the appearance of the coach, with her belongings - including a travelling chest, umbrella and a basket of flowers - on the ground beside her. Standing in the garden gateway to her right is an grey-haired gentleman, consulting his pocket watch. Behind him, on the flagstone garden path, is a woman with an arm round the shoulders of a young boy who she bends forward to speak to; he stands with his hands in his pockets. Extending across the background of the composition is the foliage-covered facade of the house with its front door open to reveal a shadowy interior.