In the Garden c. 1861 - 1897

Jessie Willcox Smith created "In the Garden," a work where delicate watercolors and pastels compose a scene of maternal care. The structure of the work is immediately striking: tall flowers frame the composition, drawing our eyes to the figures. The figures themselves are dressed in white, providing a contrast against the vivid greens and blues of the garden. Smith's use of color and form can be interpreted through semiotics, where the garden setting, traditionally a symbol of innocence and nurture, converges with the figures’ interaction. The careful placement of the blue flowers, framing the scene, highlights a controlled yet idyllic space. Looking closely, we see this arrangement communicates a coded message about childhood and maternal influence, inviting ongoing interpretation. The arrangement offers a tableau that continues to invite our reflection on its construction and significance.