This painting illustrates the fairy tale Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. First published in France in 1692 and a perennial favorite in English translation after 1729, Cinderella is the story of a beautiful girl mistreated by her family who ultimately wins a prince with a little help from her fairy godmother.

For this portrayal, focused on the poignant moment when the humble maid, denied an invitation to the royal ball, glances at the shoe that is about to change her life with hesitation and fear of the unknown while her vain step sisters primp in the background.

The painting displays the delicate glazes, cool palette, and fluid brushwork that is combined with a popular subject familiar to generations of viewers that grew up with this enchanting story.