Mary Cassatt (1845–1926, American). Mathilde Holding Baby, c. 1889. From a private collection. Photo Credit: HIP / Art Resource, NY.

Known for her affecting portraits of mothers and children, here Cassatt captures a baby reaching confidently out to the world, hand open—with good head and trunk control, balance, and visual interest in the environment. The woman has a firm grip on the child's left arm—and a wary expression.

Correction

The citation for the December 2014 cover art was incomplete and has been corrected online. The full citation appears below:

Emilio Grau Sala (1911–1975, Spanish). Ice Palace. 1962. Oil on canvas. © 2014 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VEGAP, Madrid. Photo Credit: VEGAP / Art Resource, NY.