In Series #89 on Hannah’s Miracle Son I think some of the illustrations depicted something of early mature acceptance of his delegated role— far less heartbreaking than a routine separation of mother and child. This is where these paintings can give us a fresh (more accurate??) perspective of the narrative.(eg. #6, 9, 21, 22, 28)
Well, artists can try to persuade us that brave young Samuel warmed immediately to the old man—I noticed their efforts, too—but I don’t have to buy the second-rate junk they’re trying to push. The Bible itself is entirely silent on any emotional trauma Samuel may have—must have!—suffered, a silence I find both notable and ominous.