This is one of several versions by Solomon of a scene from the Old Testament Book of Ruth( IV, 14-17). The scene depicts Ruth with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and son, Obed, David's grandfather. It is based on the lines:

'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.'

The illustration was worked up from a drawing in the Birmingham collection (1911P63) executed by Solomon in 1860. The composition also became a painting (private collection). It is one of several illustrations by Solomon for the Bible Gallery which depict tender moments between parents and their children.