Who painted Mother and Children?

Mother and Children was painted by Charles Haslewood Shannon in 1900.

Where can I see Mother and Children?

Mother and Children is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Mother and Children?

Mother and Children is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Mother and Children

Charles Haslewood Shannon , 1900

Mother and Children is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Charles Haslewood Shannon. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Charles Haslewood Shannon’s *Mother and Children* is a lithographic print executed in 1900. Rendered in a single red hue on laid paper, the work measures a modest size and presents a quiet domestic tableau. It reflects Shannon’s broader interest in portraying human figures, extending beyond his reputation as a portraitist.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a seated mother cradling one child, while another youngster kneels at her feet, reaching outward. A few loosely rendered blossoms occupy the corner, adding a subtle decorative element. The scene conveys an intimate, everyday moment, emphasizing familial bonds and the tender care inherent in maternal relationships.

Technique & Style

Shannon employed a red lithographic medium on light‑colored laid paper, allowing the warm tone to dominate the visual field. The lines are fluid and sketch‑like, suggesting a rapid hand and an immediacy of observation. This approach yields a sense of spontaneity, as though the artist captured a fleeting domestic gesture.

History & Provenance

Created at the turn of the twentieth century, the print was part of Shannon’s broader output that secured his inclusion in major European exhibitions, notably the National Portrait Gallery in London. While primarily known for oil portraits, this work illustrates his versatility in printmaking and his engagement with everyday subjects.

Context

Produced during a period when British artists were exploring the expressive potential of limited colour palettes, the red lithograph aligns with contemporary interests in simplicity and emotional directness. Shannon’s focus on ordinary domestic scenes reflects a shift away from grand historical narratives toward more personal, intimate subject matter.