When I saw this sentimental Victorian painting, years ago, I was startled to recognize two modern little girls in the very front row–Margaret and Ruth, the daughters of friends of ours. It was even in character (then) that Ruth was dipping a few extra flowers out of her sister’s basket.
Now, 25 years later, and in Riyadh, grown-up Margaret and Ruth turn up again, still looking just the same, having acquired gravitas and major scholarly credentials while still looking just the same–at least to me.
No wonder Alma Tadema could paint them both for Queen Victoria…