The artwork titled “My First Sermon” was created by John Everett Millais between 1862 and 1863. Executed in watercolor, the piece belongs to the Realism art movement and is classified within the portrait genre.
The artwork poignantly captures a young child composed in a moment of quiet seriousness. Dressed in an elaborate red cloak and fine hat adorned with a single feather, the child sits solemnly on a cushioned bench. Clasping their fur muffler, the expression on the child’s face hints at a blend of apprehension and curiosity, possibly reflecting the gravity of the setting. The backdrop is intentionally muted, allowing the vibrant red of the cloak to take center stage, while the simplicity of the background focuses attention on the child’s contemplative demeanor. This delicate portrayal elucidates Millais’s meticulous technique and his adeptness at rendering texture and human emotion.
