A character study on a small scale, the painting attempts to capture something of the human condition. In this case, the bond that often exists between the very old and the very young. While the setting represents rural American life, the farmer braiding corn in his barn as the young girl approaches with a hat full of eggs, perhaps the original title, “Seeking Advice”, gives a better sense of the artist’s intent – in particular, the passing on of simple information from one generation to another.
