Child Praying 1848

"Child Praying" (1848) by Elizabeth Murray, a watercolor on paper, depicts a young girl kneeling and looking upward in prayer. The girl's pose and expression are both sincere and delicate, capturing the innocence of childhood faith. The soft, hazy background suggests a sense of spiritual transcendence, emphasizing the girl's connection to the divine. This small-scale work, currently housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies the artistic sensibility of the 19th century, with its focus on domestic scenes and themes of piety.