The artwork titled “Pomona” is a creation by the artist John Everett Millais from the year 1882. It is an oil on canvas piece, executed with the techniques of the Realism art movement. “Pomona” is a portrait, with its dimensions measuring 103.5 x 74.5 cm, and is currently part of a private collection.
The artwork presents a young, fair-haired girl dressed in a white garment accented with a striking blue sash tied at the waist. The dress is rich in detail and texture, suggesting fine fabric and lace, and she adorns a decorative hat with a ribbon that provides a splash of color complementing the pale tones of her outfit. Her expression is contemplative and somewhat wistful, with her gaze diverted to the side as if lost in thought or observing something outside the viewer’s perspective. She holds an apple delicately in her hand, which, along with the presence of more apples in a wooden container by her side, may allude to the Roman goddess Pomona, associated with fruitfulness and the abundance of orchards. The setting seems to be outside, likely in a garden or an orchard, indicated by the muted background of foliage, providing a natural and harmonious backdrop that draws attention to the figure herself. The composition and use of color emphasize the innocence and youthfulness of the subject, highlighting the realistic portrayal that Millais was known for. Overall, the artwork exudes a sense of serene beauty and a timeless quality, characteristic of Millais’ celebrated works.
