The Cradle
The artist
Berthe Morisot, a French Impressionist and one of the leading women painters of her time.
What you see
A gentle mother watching over her baby, who sleeps under a soft white cradle veil.
The story
Painted in 1872, it shows Morisot's own sister Edma with her little daughter.
The style
Morisot used light, feathery brushstrokes that make the sheer curtain look airy and delicate.
Look closer
The mother rests her chin on her hand, gazing at her baby with quiet, loving attention.
Where to see it
The Cradle is on display at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris.
Fun fact
It is one of the first famous paintings of motherhood made by a woman artist.