Cope was a Roman Catholic and this seems to have been reflected in his preference for religious subjects, and for icons of motherhood such as this. Clearly the 'Virgin and Child' archetype stands behind his repeated versions of mother and baby. To some extent the role of mother is idealized, but at the same time Cope shows a real insight into the tender bond between mother and baby. This is a good example of his ability to capture the intimacy of a private moment, and the young mother's happiness.