A Young Mother

Bessie Potter Vonnoh, American

1896

Bronze

Saint Louis Art Museum

A bronze sculpture depicts a woman seated in a chair, cradling an infant in her arms. The figures are draped in flowing robes. A bronze sculpture depicts a woman seated in a chair, cradling an infant in her arms. The figures are draped in flowing robes. Although there is a convincing sense of the female body in this sculpture, the abundant fabric serves to soften the form emotionally. The mother’s facial features are simplified, but her tender gaze upon her child conveys the intimacy of their relationship. Bessie Potter Vonnoh was well known for her small bronze sculptures of everyday subjects. The Young Mother is considered one of the most sensitive studies of the mother and child theme in American sculpture. Given in memory of Henry B. Pflager from his fr