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From a painting, A Tennis Party by John Lavery 1886, Aberdeen Art Gallery

Oil on board
eighteen eighty five
John Lavery plans a gentle painting
to test an image living in his heart
an impression
a sporting social moment
a commentary on the age
this single frame
its poise
the echo of the ball
still audible as a sweet soft noise

A tennis court
bordered with a white waist-high wooden rail
veiled in chicken wire
a high mesh at one end
to catch the wayward ball
the setting is a private park
the high broadleaf trees around
tell the time
early August

The oil on board draws
long dark shadows of evening
the grass is yellow and turf-brown
and in the light shade of the trees
a white five-bar wooden gate is open
simply inviting

A mixed-doubles game
caught in a high tennis moment
a beautiful flowing backhand plays the ball
receiver anticipating in flight
the narrow waist hinging such memorable delight
a man in athletic tweeds
runs crosscourt at full stretch

Around the wooden perimeter
a gallery of friends
some familiar challengers in waiting
a red post supports the net
an arched privet hedge marks
a gateway to a less playful world
This moving impression
an experiment on board
a practice match
caught at a precise time
the soft echo of the ball
hanging in the grassy air

In eighteen eighty six
John Lavery stands back
casting his critical eye on the finished canvas
brush-in-hand fouled with oily greens
palette of opals brown and powdery white
the canvas brighter than the practice board
gone the shadowy eclipse of the trees
but it is the same moment of fulfilment

The gallery on the far side of the court is seated
matrons and patrons
uncles and aunts
a stylish pose reclining in the early August air
the grass in spots revealing summer’s wear

Why did he paint this feminine moment
why did it mark his heart with such precision
and who are they and who is she
and who at this remove to say are we

She stirred his heart
won this moment
in the history of fine art
it still holds a precious thrill
her partner sidelined
her mother watches seated in the wicker chair
a niece queuing patiently with pony hair

A challenger a suitor
smoking waiting in the wings
racket at the ready to suggest his shrewd intent
added to the canvas
an addition since the practice game
to add balance to the painting

The extended family enjoys
the climax of a friendly game
a celebration of their civilised age
and for the heart
a white flamingo in an open cage

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