There sat his mother by the fire, and in her arms lay the prmcess fast asleep 1920

Jessie Willcox Smith created this illustration with unknown media, capturing a tender scene with a soft touch. The mark-making feels gentle, almost hesitant, allowing the story to unfold with a quiet grace. The color palette is muted, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy. Notice the soft, diffused light and how it bathes the figures, especially the sleeping princess. It makes you think about that moment right before sleep. The textures, especially the fabrics, feel almost tactile, as if you could reach out and touch them. See how the mother's arms cradle the child, her gaze filled with a quiet protectiveness? It's a lovely detail that speaks volumes about the bond between them. Smith’s ability to convey emotion through such subtle gestures reminds me a bit of Paula Modersohn-Becker’s intimate portraits. Like Modersohn-Becker, Smith finds beauty in the everyday, elevating the ordinary to something extraordinary.