The Murderess of a Child 1877 

"The Murderess of a Child" is a haunting oil painting by German artist Gabriel von Max, known for his depictions of the macabre and psychologically charged subjects. The painting portrays a woman cradling a lifeless infant, her face contorted in a mix of grief and guilt. The dark background, dense foliage, and the discarded swaddling clothes amplify the somber mood of the scene, leaving the viewer to ponder the complex emotions at play. The painting's title hints at a tragic narrative, possibly a crime of passion or a desperate act of despair, inviting contemplation of the nature of motherhood and the consequences of human actions.