
A Kiss Goodnight by Mary Lightbody Gow (1851–1929) is a tender and sentimental portrayal of maternal affection. Set in a softly lit bedroom, the painting shows a mother in a sumptuous yellow gown bending over a child's bed, offering a goodnight kiss. Another young girl gently plays with the mother's hair, adding to the intimate domestic scene. The rich textures of fabric, the warm glow of light, and the delicate interaction between the figures reflect Gow’s sensitivity to family life and feminine grace in the Victorian era.