Description
John Singer Sargent's painting Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose is a masterpiece of Impressionism that has captivated art lovers for more than a century. This artwork was created in 1885 and depicts two girls illuminated by the light of Japanese lanterns as they stand in a garden surrounded by flowers.
Sargent's artistic style is impressive in this work, as he manages to capture the atmosphere and light of the garden in a surprising way. The technique that the artist used to create the painting is known as "alla prima", which means that the painting was done in a single session, giving it a fresh and spontaneous feeling.
The composition of the painting is another of the interesting characteristics of this work. The two girls are in the center of the painting, surrounded by a garden full of flowers and exotic plants. The Japanese lanterns that illuminate the scene give a magical and mysterious touch to the painting.
The use of color in Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose is another of the highlights of the work. The soft, delicate pastel tones of the flowers and leaves contrast with the bright colors of the Japanese lanterns, creating a sense of balance and harmony in the painting.
The story behind the creation of this painting is also fascinating. Sargent worked on the painting during the summer of 1885 in the garden of his friend's country house on Broadway, England. The two girls in the painting are the daughters of Sargent's friend, and the artist is said to have paid them £1 a day to pose for him.
Finally, a little known aspect of the painting is that Sargent considered it one of his most important works, and refused to sell it during his lifetime. It was donated to the Tate Museum in London in 1926 by the artist's son, and has been one of the most admired works in the museum's collection ever since.