Under The Trees, Ranelagh 

Sir John Lavery painted ‘Under the Trees, Ranelagh’ with oil on canvas. The figure, placed beneath the boughs of the tree, with an umbrella as her scepter, immediately reminds me of images of the Madonna, sheltered and serene. Think back to the ancient world, to images of the Roman goddess Diana, often depicted in groves, embodying nature and purity. The umbrella, a symbol of status and protection, can be traced back to ancient civilizations where it signified power and divine right. The parasol is a modern, secularized version, used as much for style as for sun protection. Notice the delicate balance of light and shadow, that imbues the scene with a dreamlike quality. I feel that Lavery tapped into something elemental here—a primal connection to nature, sanctuary, and feminine strength that resurfaces across time and cultures, engaging us at a subconscious level. It reminds us how symbols evolve, adapt, and continue to speak to our deepest selves.