This beautiful late 19th-century genre scene by British artist Maude Goodman (c. 1860-1938) depicts a young mother leaning over a crib.

It’s titled ‘You Darling!’, and captures the deep affection between parent and child. Goodman was particularly adept at decorative interiors and this is a fine example of her work.

The original piece, an oil painting, was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1882 and it’s interesting to consider how this watercolour relates. It’s possible that it could’ve been a study ahead of the oil painting or alternatively produced after the exhibition.

You Darling! was considered by some Victorian critics to be her most popular work, so it’s plausible that she could’ve produced copies for the market. This is the only version we’ve found.

Signed and housed in a later frame.

Learn more about Maude Goodman in our directory. 

Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 18½” x 24½” / 47cm x 62cm
Year of creation: c. 1882
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £16,010 achieved for an oil painting in 2000.