Nursing Mother

The mother stands with her knees slightly bent, the baby carried on her folded left arm as she nurses. Her head inclines forward, chestnut hair drawn into a high knot with a plait falling at the side. The pink gown, painted with gilt scrolling foliage, is opened at the bodice, its wide sleeve slipping to the elbow. A pale blue cloth covers the child, both small feet showing beneath it. Two tiers of cream frills edged in gold hold the hem out, one red slipper visible under them.