H. Wood Portrait of "Girl with Kitten & Cup of Milk" (1843)

A charming young girl holds a kitten and a cup of milk to feed it in H. Wood's charming small portrait dated 1843. The painting is on a wood panel, and the date is difficult to read as the ornate frame has probably replaced a simpler one over time. We have had difficulty locating this Artist, although we think this has an American origin. We purchased it from a New York City gallery in 1992.

Consider how this painting's theme and colors would add to the ambiance of a room, especially given the specially crafted and ornate gold frame with its scalloped flower and leaf carvings.

This would make a perfect addition to a child's bedroom, or a hallway. It is brimming with innocence and the blush of youth — both human and feline. Note the blooming trees in the background, emblematic of new life and early years. The pastel colors — pink, rose, light blues and greens are all symbolic of young lives and the promises of tomorrow.

We think the ornate framing of this picture is beautiful, and probably replaced an earlier, simpler frame. But like many things, there is mystery surrounding this one.