French Mother and Children – Winter 1846

Coming out through an iron gate is a mother and her two children who meet a third child of less fortunate circumstances. This child may be the daughter of a herder or shepherd, as she has a lamb with her. The mother and children are dressed for winter weather, with bare winter trees in the background. The mother wears a long vivid blue dress with a black netting of floral lace. The sleeves are snug and cuffed with white lace. She wears a heavy dark brown three-quarter length cloak with open sleeves that are detailed with a brown bow.

She wears yellow gloves and a blue bonnet tied under her chin with a wide blue ribbon. Her oldest child, a boy, wears black and white long striped trousers with a white shirt and white waistcoat. Over this he wears a short black coat and draped over his arm is a heavier black overcoat. He wears black shoes and a black hat turned up at the side, with a black feather. The boy pets the lamb as he looks at the girl whose animal it is. Not dressed as warmly as the other two children, the girl wears a blue striped skirt with blue stockings and a red blouse or jacket with a white fichu.

She wears black shoes and a white cap with red and blue motifs. Reaching to pet the sheep is the younger daughter, who wears a light blue overcoat with darker blue trim with a shoulder cape. The coat is tied at the neck with a blue ribbon. She wears red, blue, and yellow plaid stockings or leggings and black shoes. Her shallow-brimmed blue hat has blue flower details.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges