This early drawing was made as a design for 'Dalziels' Bible Gallery'. It depicts a subject from the Old Testament Book of Ruth, showing Ruth with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and son, Obed, an ancestor of David:

'..."The child will be a comfort to you and the prop of your old age, for he has been born to the daughter -in-law who loves you and is more to you than seven sons." And Naomi, taking the child, held him to her breast; and she it was who looked after him.'