Monday's Child is Fair of Face

Seven or One? - Who's Who in this Family Portrait?

This mixed species family portrait differs from most illustrations of this rhyme in that all seven characters pose together, and the viewer's imagination must determine which person or animal depicts which day. Since some of the characters are animal, rather than human, and not fully clothed, it is difficult to determine the gender of some of those pictured here. Pure conjecture has been used to describe this illustration. It would seem that the girl in the dress and bonnet is Monday's child, with her pretty face. The boy in the suit next to her is probably Tuesday's child who has the grace to wear a suit. (Some might reverse these two and see the male character as fair of face.) Wednesday's child could be the little bear hiding behind the big rabbit; he is shy and his eyes convey fear or woe. The little bear in the green cap and coat is Thursday's child, about to go somewhere. Friday's child is the spotted dog, because dogs are known for their loving and giving nature.Saturday's child is the big rabbit wearing an apron. She appears to be a sort of housekeeper or nanny, and must work for a living. The baby in the carriage is Sunday's child, since Sunday's child is generally depicted as a happy and carefree infant. The characters are all wearing different styles of clothing, with the exception of the dog, who only wears a collar and a leash. The different sizes of the characters and their varied outfits highlight their unique characteristics. Alternatively, of course, this could just be a very mixed family admiring the new baby who is bonny and blithe, and good and gay.