Her Bonnie New Bonnet 1860s Woman with Child

We catch a tender moment between mother and daughter. The simple act of tying the strings on her daughter’s sunbonnet allows both a chance to connect, share a smile and a small conversation. Perhaps the mother is imparting a bit of wisdom, telling her that she loves her, or reminding the young girl to have patience with her siblings. They could also be lamenting the absence of her father who is off fighting with the army. Maybe she is giving directions for garden chores as the young girl is also wearing a pinafore apron that protects her dress from wear and tear. The sunbonnet itself is meant to protect the face from the harmful rays of the sun, as well as shielding the neck and shoulders from the sun’s heat with a simple curtain.