Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose: The Story of a Painting.

Lisa Arsenault is a high-school English teacher who is involved in
several ministry campaigns to increase literacy.

This beautiful picture book for children tells the true story of the genesis of the famous painting Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose by the Impressionist painter, John Singer Sargent. It is told in the first-person, from the perspective of the young daughter of Francis Davis Millet whose English home was a meeting place for the artistic luminaries of the late 19th century.

The author authentically captures the language, tone, and attitude of a young girl of that period. Furthermore, he understands the child’s emotions, recording her jealousy (and refusal to come down for supper) when two other children are chosen as models for the painting instead of her, and her pleasure when she does eventually model for her own portrait.

In addition to Sargent, several prominent Victorian artists are brought to life in the pages of this lovely tale. Without sounding like a lecture we discover many details about their painting styles, preferences, and social lives. Illustrated with more than 35 Sargent paintings, sketches, and cartoons, the book also features period photographs and extracts from letters. An informative epilogue (Mr. Millet went down with the Titanic), thumbnail biographies of all the principal characters, and a catalogue of the featured paintings complete the book. It is highly recommended, both for the story and the beauty of the Impressionist paintings.