Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose is the final work in our John Singer Sargent series. I simply had to complete our consideration of Sargent with this figure composition of children. This is a fleeting scene that caught Sargent’s attention on a boating excursion on the Thames shortly after moving from Paris to Britain. The girls are Polly, age 7, and Dolly, age 11, daughters of illustrator, Frederick Barnard. To memorialize the scene, Sargent posed the girls and painted them within a gorgeous combination of red and green, purple and yellow, tints and shades in tertiary values taken right from the color wheel and theory. Sargent painted this work within the complicated plein air logistics of true Impressionism. He wanted to capture the mauve of dusk light which was perfect for only 2-3 minutes a day. He painted the girls for a few two-three minute sessions and then continued without them each day of September through November, 1885. His pursuit of that purplish tint included using artificial flowers as the seasons changed! He returned to this canvas in 1886 and completed it in October of that year.

John Singer Sargent’s life held disappointments and turns of favor. His talent took him through scandal, travel, and hard work to lasting triumph. His story and body of work are a gift and creative prayer left for us and for the ages. You can see Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose at the Tate Museum Britain in London.

We give God thanks for humankind and our birthright of remarkable potential! May we realize this birthright in God’s name and love and for the children in our care. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church