The sculpture depicts the two daughters of Ellen-Jane Robinson (née Woodhouse) lying asleep on a bed in each other's arms.

The tragic story depicted by the sculpture begins in 1812 when Ellen-Jane's husband, the clergyman Reverend William Robinson, who had recently become a prebendary of Lichfield Cathedral, contracted tuberculosis and died.

The carving was entrusted to Chantrey's assistant, Mr. F. A. Lege, and it was his suggestion that the younger sister hold a bunch of snowdrops.

In 1826 the poet William Lisle Bowles wrote a poem about the sculpture: Look at those sleeping children; softly tread, Lest thou do mar their dream, and come not nigh Till their fond mother, with a kiss, shall cry, 'Tis morn, awake!

Yet ere with parting prayers we say, Farewell for ever to the insensate clay, Poor maid, those pale lips we will kiss!

Artist, who hast wrought This work of nature, feeling, and of thought; Thine, Chantrey, be the fame That joins to immortality thy name.

For here is no corruption; the cold worm Can never prey upon that beauteous form: This smile of death that fades not, shall engage The deep affections of each distant age!

Mothers, till ruin the round world hath rent, Shall gaze with tears upon the monument!