The flower seller 

Augustus Edwin Mulready painted ‘The Flower Seller’ in the late 19th century; a portrait of a young girl in London trying to make a living selling flowers. In Victorian England, children from impoverished backgrounds often had to work to support their families. Mulready doesn’t shy away from depicting the realities of this young girl's life. Her gaze is gentle, but her stance communicates the labor she is undertaking. While the girls' clothing is worn, Mulready still captures a sense of dignity. The red headscarf frames her face, drawing our attention to her expression. The bright blue flowers she sells offer a striking contrast to the somber tones of her dress, perhaps hinting at the dreams and hopes she carries amidst hardship. Mulready asks us to recognize the resilience and humanity of children who face difficult circumstances. The image becomes a poignant commentary on social inequality, while also acknowledging the personal strength required to navigate such conditions.