The Symbol – Is it nothing to you, All ye that pass by Sir Frank Bernard Dicksee (1853-1928)

Here we observe a scene steeped in allegory and melancholy. The composition is divided into distinct zones, creating a layered narrative that speaks to themes of indifference, suffering, and fleeting beauty.
In the foreground, a figure, presumably a beggar or outcast, occupies the lower left corner. He is shrouded in dark, tattered garments, his face etched with weariness and despair. A small chest at his side contains meager possessions, suggesting poverty and marginalization. His gaze is directed upwards, towards the central figures, yet theres an air of resignation rather than expectation in his expression.
Adjacent to him stand a man and woman, richly adorned in what appear to be ceremonial robes. The man wears a crimson cloak embroidered with golden details, crowned with laurel leaves – symbols often associated with victory or status. He gestures towards the woman, who is reaching for an orange hanging from a laden tree. Her attire echoes his opulence, and she possesses a serene, almost detached beauty. Their posture suggests a moment of shared experience, yet their faces betray little emotion; they seem oblivious to the suffering directly before them.
Behind this central pair, a group of onlookers are visible through an archway. They appear to be engaged in conversation or observation, but their expressions are ambiguous – a mixture of curiosity and disinterest. The architecture framing them suggests a classical setting, further emphasizing the timelessness of the depicted narrative.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – reds, golds, and browns – which contribute to an atmosphere of both grandeur and decay. The vibrant orange fruit provides a stark contrast against the muted colors of the beggar’s clothing, highlighting the disparity between abundance and deprivation. Light plays a crucial role in shaping the scene; it illuminates the central figures while casting the beggar into shadow, reinforcing his position as an outsider.
Subtly, the painting explores the human tendency to ignore or overlook suffering when it is inconvenient or unpleasant. The indifference of the onlookers and the detached demeanor of the man and woman suggest a societal apathy towards those less fortunate. The orange tree, laden with fruit, can be interpreted as a symbol of abundance and prosperity that remains inaccessible to the marginalized figure in the foreground. Ultimately, the work prompts reflection on themes of compassion, social responsibility, and the enduring presence of suffering within seemingly idyllic settings.