The Lesson ('Just as the Twig Is Bent, the Tree's Inclined')
1859
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1859
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This painting shows a woman sitting on a red couch, holding a young child on her lap. The woman is wearing a purple dress and has brown hair. The child is naked and has blonde hair. There are trees and birds in the background. The woman is looking down at the child, who is looking up at her. The child's hands are clasped together in front of them. The woman's hands are gently holding the child's arms. The scene is set in a serene outdoor environment, with a blue sky and green trees visible behind the figures. The painting is a beautiful representation of a tender moment between a mother and child. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, look up William Mulready.
