Tuesday, March 3, 2026

McKEE'S BOTANICAL GARDEN, VERO BEACH, FLORIDA - SEWARD JOHNSON SCULPTURE EXHIBIT SEEN IN 2014 - PART 2

 This is the second post on Seward Johnson Sculpture Exhibit at the garden (January 2014).  I shared the first part last week, link here.  


This one is called Sailing the Seine and is based on the Eduoard Manet painting 'Argenteuil'.  You can see that painting at this link.


The style of clothing is very interesting and, in this case, very nautical. I wonder how women coped with all the layers they had to wear on a warm day. The men not so much. The original painting has them on a boat sailing the River Seine. 


And look, she's got dangly earrings? A girl after my own heart!


What do you think their conversation might be?


I would love to know your thoughts.


I will leave them here and moved onto the next exhibit (to be shared next Tuesday the 10th).


I hope you have enjoyed this 2nd instalment. It is always fun for me to look back. Florida is a place of wonderful botanical gardens, other places too, and I enjoyed my time there. The birdlife was amazing. 


Thanks for visiting,
and may your day be a great one.





44 comments:

  1. They look so real! Their faces are so individualistic! He is looking at her earnestly, but she seems to be ignoring him! She has a bundle of dried flowers...did he give it to her and she is rejecting him? And what is the stick-like thing he is holding?

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    1. I don’t know what that stick is but I enjoyed your explanation. Thanks Ginny :)

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  2. Don't they look wonderful. Hanged if I know how the women wore so many clothes at one time in the heat.

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    1. They do, very much so :) I don’t know how on earth they did it. Thanks Margaret!

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  3. I love these figures, and what do they say? "My dearest, do you like sitting on the bench near you? I love you!"
    Botanical gardens are always so beautiful; it's a shame I can never go there, but I experience so much with you.
    Warm regards, Elke

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    1. Thank you for telling me what he said Elke :) They are wonderful figures. I am glad you can visit them through my photos. I enjoy the places you share too. Virtual traveling to other countries is a real treat. Warm regards with a hug, Denise.

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  4. The realistic sculpture is unique. He's holding her folded parasol. He's gotta be asking about getting more serious in the relationship and she's not going to answer just yet. Maybe he doesn't earn much from being a local fisherman. Must look up the garden now. Linda in Kansas

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    1. They are unique as you say Linda. I think she does not want to move forward just yet. I enjoyed your explanation too :)

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  5. The life like sculptures are amazing! I have seen similar sculptures in Key West.
    Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.

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    1. How wonderful that you have seen them Eileen. They really are a treat for the eyes :) Thank you, I wish you the same.

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  6. This is a fabulous texture. That is a lot of clothes to wear especially considering what the man is wearing. I think their conversation might be that he gave her flowers and she's saying "Do you think flowers can make up for the fact that I am sweating to death in all these layers"...lol

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    1. It is I agree Ann - lol on your interpretation. Gave me a chuckle, thank you :)

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  7. That’s very colourful statuary.

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  8. How did you resist the temptation to sit with them and have your picture taken?

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    1. Strangely I didn’t even think of joining them. I think there was a sign that said, don’t touch and I am a stickler for the rules :) I might now though.

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  9. Gardens with birds? Oh please, take me with you next time! What is that lady thinking? "How soon can I get out of this corset?".

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    1. I will let you know Kay :) That would be a good explanation too. I once saw a diagram on those corsets and how tightly they were pulled so they could have a tiny waist. I heard many women passed out! The horror! :-0

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  10. What interesting inspiration for sculpture. I think women's clothing generally was uncomfortable and there was far too much of it. Happily, we've progressed since then.

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  11. So beautiful. I hope you’re doing well my friend.

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    1. Thank you Regine and I hope the same for you my friend :)

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  12. Perhaps they are talking about marriage? She seems distant though! Lovely photos Denise :-D

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    1. She does, doesn’t she? Thank you so much Ananka :)

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  13. It's interesting how looking at them from different angles changes what you see. I hope she's not too upset, but how could she be sitting in such a lovely spot.

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    1. I remember wanting to take these photos at different angles, I was fascinated with them :) I think the heat was getting to her. Thanks Erika!

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    1. They were indeed. I wondered how long it would take to put one together. I would have loved to see them made. Thanks Christine :)

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  15. She looks like she thinking about it being too warm and when is lunch.

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    1. That’s an excellent thought. I would be thinking that - she is also waiting for that breeze to cool her down I am thinking :) thanks Sandra!

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  16. I did enjoy the installment. Love the earrings too
    Hugs cecilia

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    1. That’s great, so glad Cecilia :) Fun earrings aren’t they? :) hugs, Denise

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  17. Thank you for sharing more of these lovely sculptures. They look very life like and full of character. I really like them.

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    1. You are very welcome Beverley, so happy you enjoyed them :)

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  18. Don't they look wonderful, so detailed.
    I'm thinking he has asked a question and she is thinking before replying!

    All the best Jan

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    1. The do indeed Jan :) that’s an excellent thought on their conversation. All the best and thank you, Denise

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  19. Bellas pinturas. Te mando un beso.

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    1. Estoy de acuerdo, son muy hermosas :) Gracias, te mando un beso.

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  20. Okay this was wonderful - but thinking back - I sure do feel sorry for the women of that day - so hot!

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    1. You and me both Sandra, those clothes must have felt like they were sitting in an oven at times :)

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