Mother and Child is a sculpture, found in the north end of the North Lawn, gifted to the UN by the Italian government in 1989. The artist, Giacomo Manzù (1908 – 1991), was among the best-known Italian sculptors of the 20th century.

The planning and design of the sculpture was calculated to the most minute detail, including the choice of oakwood for the structure to guarantee a better fusion between the components. The artist cast this sculpture out of bronze which was then placed on a 6’’ granite base. One can see a taller figure, the mother, holding a smaller one, the child. Both are raising their arms, while the child rests on the mother’s bosom. Manzù had already explored this theme numerous times, however, in this case, the movement of the mother mimics one of lifting her child, symbolizing life, hope and the future.

The statue was given by the Italian government to the United Nations as a tribute of peace.  At the commemoration of the sculpture, the President of Italy, Francesco Cossiga (1928 – 2010), said the statue "signified a glorification of life and consequently, of peace." Its presentation to the United Nations expressed the sentiments of friendship and affection with which Italy regarded the world body and its support for the invaluable work done by the Organization in the area of international peace and security.  Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar (1920 – 2020), in accepting the gift said, “It represents love, beauty and hope for future generations.”