Two Nursemaids Charles Samuel Keene (1823-1891)

The drawing presents a domestic interior, likely within a large household. Here we observe two figures, both women, dressed in similar uniforms suggesting their roles as servants – specifically, nursemaids. The composition is structured around a clear spatial division; one figure stands prominently on the left, while the other sits at what appears to be a writing desk or table positioned against the right wall.
The standing woman’s posture conveys a sense of waiting or observation. Her hands are placed on her hips, and her gaze seems directed towards the seated figure. The artist has rendered this pose with a degree of informality, suggesting a moment captured in everyday life rather than a staged portrait.
The seated nursemaid is absorbed in her task at the desk. She leans forward slightly, her attention focused on whatever she’s writing or reading. The chair she occupies appears simple and functional, reinforcing the impression of a working environment.
The background reveals further details about the setting. A doorway with the number 10 visible above it suggests this is one room within a larger structure. A partially obscured piece of furniture – perhaps a cabinet or wardrobe – is discernible in the upper left corner. The artist has employed quick, gestural lines to indicate these elements, prioritizing an overall sense of atmosphere over meticulous detail.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette and loose rendering contribute to its immediacy and intimacy. It avoids any overt sentimentality, instead presenting a straightforward depiction of working-class women within their domestic sphere. Subtly, the work hints at social hierarchies and the often-unseen labor that sustained upper-class households. The contrast between the standing figure’s alertness and the seated figures concentration might suggest different aspects of this role – vigilance versus routine. Ultimately, the drawing offers a glimpse into a specific moment in time, revealing something about the lives and work of those who served within Victorian or Edwardian society.