An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Peace Concluded1856
Artist: Sir John Everett Millais
British, 1829 - 1896
A wounded officer lying on his couch, at the head of which is seated his wife. An Irish wolfhound is also lying curled up on the sofa. Arched top.
46 x 36 in. (116.84 x 91.44 cm) (canvas)
58 x 48 3/4 x 2 in. (147.32 x 123.83 x 5.08 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
England
19th century
The Putnam Dana McMillan Fund
In a gentle room filled with echoes of a tranquil past, a painting captures a fleeting moment in time—a family gathered together, seemingly frozen in a serene domestic tableau. At first glance, one might think it is merely a family portrait adorned with the accouterments of middle-class English life; soft fabric drapes, polished surfaces, and the delicate warmth of togetherness. But the deeper meaning lies just beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.
The year is 1856, and the air buzzes with the remnants of a long-awaited peace. The backdrop speaks of the Crimean War's heavy toll on families and nations alike, but here, in this painted sanctuary, a celebration unfolds. The light falls delicately across the figures, illuminating the wounded father—an officer whose valor has marked him with both sacrifice and pride. Clutched in his hand is a copy of The Times, its headlines shouting joyous news of the war’s end, a proclamation that reverberates through the fabric of the nation.
Beside him stands a daughter, her small fingers gently clasping his combat medal, a token of bravery, a relic of trials past. A sense of reverence hangs in the air, as if the room itself is holding its breath in gratitude and reflection for all that has been endured.
On the mother’s lap, four wooden animals emerge from the childhood fables of Noah’s Ark, each figure a playful yet potent representation of the four nations that had clashed: the proud lion for Britain, a steadfast bear symbolizing Russia, a curious turkey for the Ottoman Empire, and a striking rooster for France. This enchanting aggregation of creatures transforms their innocent playfulness into embodiments of a complex history, mirroring the war's tumultuous echoes.
Yet, it is the young girl on the left who captures the essence of hope. In her delicate hands, she cradles a dove, its beak bearing a humble olive branch—a timeless emblem of peace. The dove carries with it dreams not just for this family, but for a world weary of strife, whispering promises of healing and unity.
This masterpiece, woven from the threads of reality and emotion, hails from the hands of John Everett Millais, a revered member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. These artists sought to mirror the world around them, blending keen observation of nature with the pulse of contemporary life. Their brushstrokes invite the observer to linger a little longer, to ponder the stories hidden within the simplicity of a family’s embrace, to understand that amidst the chaos, there resides an unwavering desire for harmony.
In this moment captured on canvas, the narrative unfolds—a testament not just to survival, but to the enduring spirit of humanity, forever striving for solace in each other's arms.
About the artist
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