Staande vrouw met kind 1777 - 1779

This is Pieter de Mare’s, "Standing Woman with Child," an etching. De Mare lived in a time of social and political upheaval, between revolutions, witnessing transformations in the understanding of social structures. The print captures a tender, everyday scene of a mother and child. Their clothing suggests they belong to the working class. The mother, burdened by the weight of her responsibilities, is depicted carrying a basket, perhaps from the market. The child, clutching her hand, seems to seek comfort and reassurance. In Dutch art of this period, women are often portrayed as symbols of domesticity and virtue, yet here, there is a certain realism which complicates the traditional representation of motherhood. The averted gaze adds a layer of complexity, suggesting both a weariness and a resilience in the face of life's challenges. What does it mean to be a woman, to be a mother, in a world undergoing rapid change? This image invites us to consider the lived experiences of those who often go unnoticed, and to recognize their strength and dignity.