Description
"By tranquil waters was painted early in Long's career and represents one of his first forays into symbolism. In this idyllic scene swathed in light, Long presents a group of male youths bathing in Cook's River in Sydney. One figure playing a pipe possibly alludes to Pan, the Greek god of music, nature and male sexuality. By tranquil waters was acquired by the Art Gallery of New South Wales shortly after it was first exhibited at the Art Society of New South Wales’ annual exhibition in 1894. The trustees purchased the work on the condition that its scale be altered – to help improve the picture's 'definition' – which Long agreed to do." AGNSW