This painting from 1897 by Abbott Handerson Thayer is on view at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.

🎨 The Artist: Abbott Handerson Thayer

Abbott Handerson Thayer was an American painter known for his angels, allegorical portraits, and delicate floral works. His work was spiritual and ethereal and Critics of his time admired his ability to capture the soul of his subjects.

After his wife died, Thayer sought peace in his children, whom he painted as figures of myth and spirituality, as exemplified in this painting.

🖼 The Work: A Mythic Presence

There’s something otherworldly about this painting. At first, I thought it must be a scene from a fairy tale—the figures seem symbolic, even though they are Thayer’s own children, their presence is mysterious.

The composition hints at the powerful trios in mythology—perhaps The Moirai (The Fates), who control human destiny, or The Graces, who embody beauty, charm, and joy.

🏮 Lanterns & Urns: Guides in the Darkness

To deepen the sense of mystery and symbolism, I incorporated lanterns and urns into my floral composition to depict the figures in the work.

• Lanterns as Guides: In myths and folklore, lanterns symbolize illumination and protection, lighting the way through unknown realms.

• Urns as Echoes of the Past: In ancient Greece, urns represent memory, legacy, and the passage of time.

💐 The Florals: Ancient Meanings

To reflect the ethereal, almost supernatural quality of Thayer’s painting, I chose flowers that carry mythic and symbolic weight:

• Boxwood: This plant is tied to Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth, reinforcing the sense of eternal vitality and timelessness.

• White daisies, bellflowers, and chrysanthemums: These delicate blooms capture the central figure’s beauty and purity.

• Alstroemeria, purple statice, and red berry branches: Their deep hues add depth and mystery, mirroring the contrast of shadow and light in the painting that separates the central and side figures.

Sources:

(1) Smithsonian American Art Museum. (n.d.). Abbott Handerson Thayer. Smithsonian Institution. https://americanart.si.edu/artist/abbott-handerson-thayer-4766

(2) Theoi Project. (n.d.). Moirai (Fates). https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Moirai.html

(3) Greg App. (n.d.). Symbolism and benefits of the Boxwood Hebe. Retrieved February 16, 2025, from https://greg.app/boxwood-hebe-benefits/