The Happiness Of Mother, 1869, painting by David Adolph Constant Artz

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The happiness of mother, 1869, by David Adolph Constant Artz.

There is serenity in this painting and as the title suggests, it is picture of quiet contentment and happiness. From the shadows outside, it seems the child has just had the mid-day meal and is cozily nestled in the mother's lap. While the child is peacefully sleeping, the mother is in no hurry to lay it down, rather uses a footstool to raise the left leg so the child is in a comfortable position. The mother may also have given this slight slant to the child's body as the meal has just been had.

The happiness in her countenance is apparent. Her touch is soft and she seems resolved to hold the child in this position for a long time, enjoying a cozy togetherness. 

In terms of the painting, the artist has good control over lines accentuated by sharp outlines. Notice the window frame and sill. The lines of the table below the window also exemplifies it. The flooring lines also create a good geometric effect.

The tender feelings of motherly love, so well portrayed in the painting, suggest a happiness that comes from deep within. It is the quality of _true_ happiness that it is not dependent on material objects that can be bought for all money, but is part of the infinite happiness of the inner Being, which just radiates. If one looks within, one can have access to this pure unending happiness.

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