The Davis Children (Eliza Cheever Davis And John Derby Davis) Edward Savage (1761-1817)

Here we observe a portrait depicting two young children positioned symmetrically before a potted plant bearing white lilies. The composition is formal and restrained, characteristic of early American portraiture. Both children are dressed in similar garments: simple, flowing gowns of pale fabric with short sleeves and delicate detailing at the neckline and cuffs. A ribbon of muted pink adorns each child’s waist, providing a subtle contrast to the predominantly white palette. Their hair is styled in loose curls, framing faces that exhibit an air of quiet solemnity.
The central focus lies on the lilies themselves. The childrens hands are extended towards the blooms, one gently touching a flower while the other appears poised for similar interaction. This gesture suggests innocence and a nascent appreciation for beauty, but also hints at a delicate fragility – the potential for damage or loss inherent in such interactions with nature.
The background is rendered in muted greens and browns, suggesting an outdoor setting obscured by foliage. The indistinctness of the backdrop serves to emphasize the children and the plant, drawing attention to their relationship and symbolic significance. The potted plant itself introduces a layer of complexity. It’s not depicted as part of a natural landscape but rather contained within a terracotta pot, signifying cultivation and control – perhaps alluding to the carefully managed upbringing expected of these young individuals.
The childrens expressions are notable for their lack of overt emotion. They do not smile or display playful exuberance; instead, they possess an almost stoic composure. This restraint could be interpreted as a reflection of societal expectations regarding childhood decorum during the period in which this work was created. It also lends a sense of timelessness to the scene, elevating it beyond a mere likeness and suggesting broader themes of family, heritage, and the passage of time.
Subtly, the lilies themselves carry symbolic weight. Traditionally associated with purity, innocence, and resurrection, their presence reinforces the children’s perceived virtue and hints at hopes for their future. The symmetry of the composition, coupled with the identical attire, underscores a sense of balance and order – values likely prized within the family and social circle represented.