My First Sermon - John Everett Millais

A portrait of the artist's daughter, Effie, captured in a moment of quiet contemplation during a church service.

Painted in 1863, My First Sermon depicts the artist's daughter, Effie, seated in a church pew. The work captures a moment of childhood innocence and quiet observation. Effie is dressed in a bright red cloak, which contrasts with the muted, dark tones of the church interior. She wears a black hat adorned with a feather and holds a muff, her gaze directed slightly away from the viewer as if she is listening to the service.

Millais, a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, moved away from the strict, detailed naturalism of his earlier years by the 1860s. This painting reflects his shift toward more accessible, sentimental subjects that appealed to the Victorian public. The composition is simple, focusing on the figure of the child against the plain, shadowed background of the pew. The texture of the red fabric and the soft quality of the child's hair demonstrate the technical skill Millais maintained throughout his career.

This image was highly popular when first exhibited at the Royal Academy. It was later followed by a companion piece, My Second Sermon, which shows the child asleep during the service. The painting remains a clear example of the Victorian interest in domestic life and the observation of childhood. The lighting is focused on the subject, creating a sense of stillness and concentration. The muted green and brown tones of the background ensure that the red cloak remains the primary visual element. This print captures the original oil painting's texture and colour balance, providing a clear reproduction of the Victorian aesthetic.