Mary Mary Quite Contrary

Mom’s Garden – Children Help

The Mary of this illustration is older and more contemporary than most of those representing this rhyme. She appears to be a young mother in blue jeans leaning on her shovel with her son and daughter behind her. The entire image is framed by the garden on the bottom and an arched, flower-laden trellis to the sides and above. One recognizes that Mary is a modern woman as much by her stance/body language as by her attire. The Victorian young ladies most often representing this rhyme would never be seen standing in such an “unladylike” position! Bright colors and the cartoon-like features of the characters create a mood of subtle humor.