Who painted Nursing Mother?

Nursing Mother was painted by Matthew Smith in 1915.

Where can I see Nursing Mother?

Nursing Mother is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Nursing Mother?

Nursing Mother is associated with Social Realism.

Artwork

Nursing Mother

Matthew Smith , 1915

Nursing Mother is a watercolor work on paper by the Social Realist artist Matthew Smith. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Nursing Mother is a 1915 watercolour by Matthew Smith, depicting a mother breastfeeding her child. The work is signed and features a corresponding black chalk drawing on the reverse.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a seated woman in a blue dress gazing down at her baby, who is turned towards her breast. The scene conveys a sense of serenity and intimacy, capturing a tender moment between mother and child.

Technique & Style

Smith employed a range of colours to create a warm atmosphere, with the woman's blue dress set against a soft pink and peach background. The watercolour and black chalk techniques used contribute to the overall sense of calmness in the piece.

History & Provenance

The artwork was bequeathed from Smith's studio to Mrs Keene and later exhibited in 1960 at the Royal Academy's retrospective of the artist's work.

Artist & collection

Artist

Matthew Smith

Matthew Smith painted two watercolors you can see here—Nursing Mother around 1915 and Pheasants on a Table in 1958—quiet scenes that let shapes and colors do the talking.