An oil painting depicts a gentle, intimate moment between a mother and her young child. The woman, with soft features and auburn hair pinned up, sits in a wooden chair painted a muted green. She wears a vibrant yellow dress accented with a large, realistic sunflower pinned near her chest. Her expression is attentive and calm as she holds her small, unclothed child on her lap. The child, with fair, wispy hair, reaches out to hold a small circular hand mirror, looking intently at their own reflection.
Behind the pair, a mirror mounted on the wall captures a partial reflection of the woman's profile and the child’s head, adding depth to the domestic scene. The composition is centered on the interaction between the two figures, with the woman's arm gently draped across the child's back to provide support and affection.
The style is Impressionistic, characterized by visible, soft brushstrokes that create a sense of movement and light. The palette is dominated by warm, golden yellows, soft flesh tones, and earthy greens, contributing to a serene and domestic mood. The lighting appears soft and natural, emphasizing the tender physical contact between the parent and child. The lower right corner displays the artist's signature, "Mary Cassatt," in a subtle script.