Motherly Love 

Frederick Morgan painted 'Motherly Love' in England, sometime between 1850 and 1927. The image presents an idyllic vision of domesticity, a popular theme during the Victorian era. Victorian society placed a high value on family, motherhood, and the home. The Industrial Revolution led to shifts in social structures and the rise of a middle class that embraced these values. Paintings like this one reinforced the notion of women as caregivers and nurturers, idealizing their role in the private sphere. The presence of the cat adds a touch of sentimentality, further emphasizing the harmony between humans and animals within the domestic setting. Paintings such as 'Motherly Love' were widely reproduced as prints, making them accessible to a broad audience. The social and cultural context is crucial to our understanding of the painting's meaning. Historians consult census data, newspapers, and other period documents to gain a deeper understanding of how the image reflects the values of the time.