This portrait is called “Blessed Art Thou Among Women” by Gertrude Kasebier. This is an effective portrait because it shows a realistic relationship between a woman and her daughter. The posture in the portrait of the woman is natural. I believe that although the child’s position in the image seems very stiff that this is also a natural reaction of being talked to by an adult. The awkward position reminds me of several children in my life that I have witnessed doing the same pose. The portrait is framed by a door frame giving the image an intimate feeling. It appears the viewer has just walked into the room as a child is being told to behave. The clear and natural narrative that accompanies this image shows that the portrait is effective because an moment of real life has been captured.
Gertrude Kasabier
http://www.getty.edu/art/collection/artists/1950/gertrude-ksebier-american-1852-1934/