There sat his mother by the fire, and in her arms lay the prmcess fast asleep 1920

Jessie Willcox Smith made this around the turn of the century, probably with charcoal and pastel. Look at that mother's gaze – it's tender, protective. What was Smith thinking as she rendered it? Maybe something about the universal need for comfort, or the quiet moments of connection that punctuate our lives? Notice how she uses light to create a sense of warmth and intimacy. The soft glow around the fire, the gentle shadows on the faces. It’s like she's inviting us into this very private scene, but there's also this cool, almost melancholy tonality. I keep thinking about how Smith, like all artists, was in conversation with those who came before, and paving the way for those who would follow. I wonder what she would think of the artists working today? What would she say to them about the power of image-making to touch hearts, to spark imaginations, to create change? Painting embraces ambiguity and uncertainty, allowing for multiple interpretations. It’s up to you now. What do you see? What do you feel?