The image is a vintage black and white engraving depicting a dramatic scene of a mother and child in turbulent water. A large, curling wave dominates the composition, filling most of the frame. Within the wave, a young child is suspended in the water, arms outstretched in a gesture of distress or reaching out. Below, a woman, presumably the mother, is partially submerged, also with arms raised towards the child. Her face is visible, showing a look of desperation and concern. The water is rendered with dense, swirling lines, creating a sense of chaos and movement. The style is typical of 19th-century engravings, with detailed linework and a focus on emotional expression. The caption at the bottom reads 'Affecting Instance of Maternal Affection. (See page 77.)'