My First SermonJohn Everett Millais · 1863

  • Painting mediumWatercolor
  • Medium typeWallArt
  • Art movementPre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
  • Creation date1863
  • Art period19th Century

John Everett Millais (1829 – 1896)

A Pre-Raphaelite founder known for the iconic Ophelia. Discover his breathtaking realism and explore his masterpieces today.

The painting "My First Sermon" by Sir John Everett Millais is a captivating watercolor that showcases the artist's exceptional skill and attention to detail. Created in 1863, this piece is now housed at the Guildhall Art Gallery London (United Kingdom), where it continues to be admired by art enthusiasts.

Artistic Context

Sir John Everett Millais was a renowned British artist and member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. His paintings are characterized by their realism and attention to detail, as seen in "My First Sermon". The painting depicts a young girl, Effie, sitting in one of the old high-backed pews in All Saints Church, Kingston-on-Thames. The scene is set against a muted background, allowing the vibrant red of the girl's cloak to take center stage.

Significance of the Painting

"My First Sermon" was extremely popular when it was first exhibited at the Royal Academy, causing queues around the block. It was praised as a charming depiction of childhood innocence and piety. The painting is also notable for being one of the first times that Millais used his own children as models.
  • The painting is a prime example of Realism in art, with its attention to detail and realistic depiction of the scene.
  • The use of color in the painting is also noteworthy, with the vibrant red of the girl's cloak standing out against the muted background.
  • Millais's skill as a painter is evident in the way he captures the texture and emotion of the scene.
Mus3ums.com offers handmade oil painting reproductions of "My First Sermon" and other works by Sir John Everett Millais. Visit our website to learn more about this captivating painting and to explore our collection of art reproductions: /art/list/?Filter=8BWSRC-Sir-John-Everett-Millais-My-First-Sermon
For more information on Sir John Everett Millais and his works, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_John_Everett_Millais
To view more paintings by Sir John Everett Millais, visit: /art/list/?Filter=sir+john+everett+millais,john,everett,millais&

About this artwork

  • Title: My First Sermon
  • Artist: John Everett Millais
  • Year: 1863
  • Format: Portrait
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Medium: Watercolor
  • Creative period: Early Career
  • Inventory number: 701
  • Main color: Espresso
  • Keywords: childhood portrait, realism fine art, art reproduction

Quick Facts

  • Medium: Watercolor
  • Artistic style: Realism
  • Title: My First Sermon
  • Subject or theme: Childhood innocence and piety

Questions & Answers

What size should I print "My First Sermon" for my room?

In a lounge, "My First Sermon" is suggested at a medium print size.

Is "My First Sermon" by John Everett Millais in the public domain, and why?

"My First Sermon" by John Everett Millais is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. Copyright duration runs from the artist's death, which occurred in 1896.

What is the dominant color of "My First Sermon" by John Everett Millais?

The color that stands out most in "My First Sermon" is espresso (#373d1e). The dominant color is useful when matching an artwork to an interior.

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