Oil on Canvas
24” x 36”
The first printed version from Mother Goose’s Melody (London, c. 1765), has the following lyrics:
Rock-a-bye baby
on the tree top.
When the wind blows the cradle will rock.
If the bough breaks, the cradle will fall
Mother will catch you, cradle and all
Mother sits near in her rocking chair
Forward and back, the cradle she swings
Though baby sleeps, he hears what she sings
“Rock-a-bye baby, do not you fear
Never mind, baby, mother is near
Wee little fingers, eyes are shut tight
Now sound asleep until morning light”
