The infant Moses and his mother Phillip Richard Morris (1838-1902)

Here we observe a scene imbued with tenderness and quiet desperation. A woman kneels at the waters edge, cradling an infant in her arms. The composition is dominated by verticality – the tall reeds flanking the figures draw the eye upwards, while simultaneously emphasizing their isolation within this natural setting.
The artist has rendered the mother’s expression with a poignant mixture of sorrow and resolve. Her gaze is directed downwards towards the child, suggesting both deep affection and an acceptance of a difficult fate. The infant appears serene, oblivious to the circumstances that have brought them to this precarious location. He clings to his mother, his small hand resting on her shoulder, creating a visual link between their vulnerability and dependence.
The basket, prominently positioned in the foreground, serves as a crucial element within the narrative. It is both a vessel of protection and a symbol of abandonment. The reeds themselves contribute to this sense of concealment and fragility; they offer a degree of shelter but also suggest an environment fraught with danger.
Beyond the immediate figures, a distant architectural structure – likely representing Egyptian buildings – can be discerned through the haze. This placement establishes a clear separation between the natural world inhabited by the mother and child, and the societal structures from which they are exiled. The muted color palette reinforces this feeling of melancholy; earth tones and soft blues dominate, creating an atmosphere of quiet resignation.
Subtly, the artist uses light to highlight key areas: the infant’s face is illuminated, drawing attention to his innocence, while shadows obscure parts of the mothers body, hinting at her internal struggle. The water reflects the scene above, blurring the boundaries between reality and a sense of impending loss. Overall, the painting conveys a powerful narrative about sacrifice, maternal love, and the precariousness of life in the face of overwhelming circumstances.