The artwork titled “Sweetest eyes that were ever seen…” was created by John Everett Millais in 1881. This portrait, an exemplar of the Realism movement, is rendered in oil on canvas and measures 71 x 99.7 cm. Currently, it is housed in the Scottish National Gallery, located in Edinburgh, UK.
The artwork is a poignant and intimate portrait of a young girl, capturing a moment of serene contemplation. She is depicted with delicate, youthful features, her gaze directed slightly away from the viewer, adding a touch of mystery and introspection. Wearing a simple floral-patterned blouse and a striped skirt, the girl holds a basket of flowers, which suggests an engagement with nature or a pastoral life. The detailed and delicate brushwork, along with the realistic portrayal of the girl’s expression and attire, exemplifies Millais’ mastery and commitment to the Realism genre. The dark background serves to highlight the subject, focusing the viewer’s attention entirely on her, thus enhancing the impact of her expressive eyes, true to the title of the artwork.
