Baby in Wicker Basket c. 1840

"Baby in Wicker Basket," painted by Joseph Whiting Stock in the 1840s, depicts a young child dressed in a pale blue dress, sitting in a wicker basket. The baby holds a small object, possibly a toy or a piece of candy, in its right hand and its left hand rests gently on its lap. Stock, known for his charming folk art portraits, captures the innocence and sweetness of childhood in this simple yet captivating painting. The work's warm colors and gentle composition evoke a sense of peace and contentment. This painting is a fine example of the "primitive" genre, which emphasizes naive realism and personal expression.