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This painting is the work of important British artist Sir Frank William Brangwyn (1867-1956).

He trained at the South Kensington Art Schools and completed an apprenticeship with William Morris from 1882 to 1884, which taught him the principles of design and decorative art. During his lifetime it is estimated that Brangwyn created over 12,000 works, working in a variety of mediums including watercolour, oils and print making. 

Early in his career, in the 1890s, Brangwyn travelled to Europe, the Near East and South Africa, with the Scottish artist Arthur Melville. Melville encouraged Brangwyn to incorporate brighter colours into his palette, reflecting the light and vibrancy of the subjects they encountered abroad.  

Shade captures a shaded street or square in one of the hot countries the two artists would have visited. It shows people sheltering from the heat of the day in the dappled shade provided by the trees, taking a moment to sit, rest and converse before continuing their days. 

While scenes like this were likely common place during Brangwyn’s travels, capturing effectively the impression of dappled sunlight and shadow patterns takes a level of artistic skill. Therefore showing Brangwyn’s mastery of both his medium and subject.