about 1820
Oil on Canvas
83.4 x 61.8 cm
The red-coral necklace worn by this discomforting girl relates to the superstition, dating back to antiquity, that coral warded off evil spirits. The cherries she holds are symbols of heaven, representing the fruit of paradise. Religious overtones like this are often seen in portraits of children.
Girl with Cherries about 1820 © Compton Verney
Reference CVCSC-0038-F