Who painted Study of a girl with an infant in her arms?

Study of a girl with an infant in her arms was painted by Thomas Sidney Cooper in 1850.

Where can I see Study of a girl with an infant in her arms?

Study of a girl with an infant in her arms is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Study of a girl with an infant in her arms

Study of a girl with an infant in her arms is a drawing by Thomas Sidney Cooper. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Thomas Sidney Cooper’s 1850 pencil drawing records a young girl cradling an infant. Executed as a study, the work captures a fleeting moment rather than a finished composition, emphasizing the relationship between the figures through gestural lines.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a female figure holding a baby close to her chest, her gaze turned away and the child’s head nestled under her chin. The intimate pose suggests tenderness and protective care, conveying a quiet domestic scene.

Technique & Style

Rendered in loose, rapid pencil strokes, the drawing prioritises movement and gesture over surface detail. Minimal lines suggest the girl’s cloak and the infant’s swaddling, while tonal variation is achieved through subtle shading rather than intricate rendering.

History & Provenance

Created in 1850, the piece forms part of Cooper’s preparatory work, likely intended for a larger composition or study of human figures. Its survival as a standalone drawing provides insight into the artist’s preparatory methods during the mid‑nineteenth century.

Context

Cooper, primarily known for animal paintings, occasionally explored human subjects. This study reflects the broader Victorian interest in domesticity and the sentimental portrayal of motherhood, aligning with contemporary genre scenes.