This week’s Fashion Inspired by Art post features one of John Singer Sargent‘s most dainty paintings. Keep on reading for three back-to-school outfits inspired by the work.

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About the Painting

The Anglo-American painter, John Singer Sargent, painted Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose in 1885. In the painting, two young children hold paper lanterns amidst a garden of tall white lilies, pink roses, and yellow carnations near the ground. The two children depicted, Dolly and Polly Barnard, were the daughters of Frederick Barnard – Sargent’s fellow illustrator.

The subject matter supposedly concerns flower maidens within the context of sexuality and botany. As for painting technique, Sargent wanted to exactly capture the light that filtered through a particular garden at dusk. Sargent began to paint during the hour that the garden took on a saturated purple color. He employed a quasi-Impressionist style, opting to paint entirely outdoors.

Outfits Inspired by Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose

Dignified Time Crunch

Products: Dress, Booties, Backpack

This first outfit is for days when you have little time to get ready for class but still want to look like you made an effort.

For this look, I near literally translated the subject matter – as we know, the two girls depicted wear a voluminous, nightgown-like dress. For a modern take on the dress, I found a billowing, cream-colored number from H&M. This dress is a perfect summer-to-fall transition piece, and is the perfect thing to throw on and run to class.

To incorporate aspects of the garden in the painting, I found this pastel backpack with an adorable floral pattern.