My First Sermon – John Everett Millais
My First Sermon is a painting by the artist John Everett Millais. It depicts a five-year-old boy with a serious expression standing on an improvised pulpit. The work was an immediate success when exhibited in 1853 at the Royal Academy in London.
Millais painted his own son, Everett, as the model for this painting. The purity and seriousness of the boy contrast with the joyful and restless nature typical of children his age, adding depth to the work.
The depiction of the boy on the pulpit symbolizes the faith and innocence of childhood, as well as the importance of transmitting values and beliefs from an early age.
When was the painting My First Sermon painted?
The painting My First Sermon by John Everett Millais was painted in the year 1853.
Artistic style of My First Sermon.
The painting My First Sermon by Millais shows a combination of elements of realism and romanticism, capturing the innocence and seriousness on the child’s face. The detailed technique and careful lighting create an emotional and moving atmosphere.
The symmetrical composition and soft color palette help convey the feeling of peace and reflection associated with the act of listening to a sermon.
Millais’ style in this work reveals his ability to capture the beauty of everyday life and emotional richness through the representation of human figures.
History of the painting My First Sermon.
The painting My First Sermon by John Everett Millais was commissioned by art critic John Ruskin as a portrait of his son, but the artist decided to give it a more symbolic approach, representing innocence and faith in childhood.
The work caused a sensation at the time for its unique combination of realism and symbolism, becoming one of the most iconic paintings of the 19th century, highlighting Millais’ talent and sensitivity as an artist.
If you are interested in a framed replica of this work, our personal recommendation is the store Fine Artic. They offer a very high-quality service at fantastic prices, as long as the work is free of rights you can fill your walls with art without spending too much.











